When Black Myth: Wukong hit Steam in 2024, it didnât just win Game of the Yearâit marked a milestone for Chinese AAA development. Fueled by a blend of ancient myths and nextâgen graphics, Game Science tapped into the epic tale of Sun Wukong, pairing stunning art and a rousing soundtrack that resonated with millions worldwide.
âTraditional Chinese culture, combined with the most advanced technologies, the best pictures and the best music, can create certain chemistry. Weâve proven that path could work,â says Game Science CEO Feng Ji.
The teamâs localization architects faced a unique challenge: translating a story rooted in a household fantasy novel while preserving its cultural heartbeat. Instead of the familiar âdragon,â players meet the âloong,â a term that carries distinct imagery in Chinese lore. âOur goal was to showcase diverse Chinese cultures on the world stage through inâdepth localization and spark genuine cultural exchanges,â explains Yu Yangming, who led the translation efforts.
Chinaâs gaming market boasts millions of players, making it one of the largest audiences globally. Each year, a flood of titles from abroad enters the scene, but local gamers often wrestle with awkward or humorous translation errors. To spotlight these industry challenges, CGTNâs Beyond ACG invited localization experts for a deepâdive discussion at the Translators Association of China conference.
As studios worldwide chase new markets, Black Myth: Wukong sets a powerful example: marrying authentic storytelling with meticulous localization can turn regional myths into global phenomena. For developers and players alike, itâs proof that cultural nuance isnât just an afterthoughtâitâs the secret ingredient to forging connections across continents.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
