One of the crucial factors behind the success of Black Myth: Wukong is clearly its connection to Chinese culture. While the game’s story is based on the legendary novel Journey to the West, its settings have drawn strong inspiration from real locations in the country to create its fantasy world.
Wukong is filled with authentic postcards and most of them are quite recognizable with their real-life counterparts. For example, the fascinating geological formations of Wulingyuan, up to 200 meters high; the Yungang caves (whose statues we see in the game); or the impressive Shennong Altar. With its head at the end of the grand staircase, which almost seems like an original video game setting.
Many of the real places that inspire the GameScience title have something in common: the province of Shanxi. A total of 27 out of 36 locations that were photographed to be included in the game are from that province. Located in the east of the country and until now one of its less touristy regions, their visits have tripled since the game’s release.
The interest has caught locals off guard
One of the main contributors is Xiaoxitian Temple, the main inspiration for the confrontation against Golden Brow scenario in the game. Founded in 1929 by the monk Dongming, this Buddhist temple is known for its intricate decoration and the many statues that once gave it the name “the temple of a thousand Buddhas”. Many of them have been replicated in the game along with its characteristic colors.
It is said that during the recent National Day holidays in China, the temple received about 10,000 tourists daily when just months ago it barely reached the hundreds. And Xiaoxitian Temple is not the only place in Shanxi receiving this type of interest. The Ministry of Culture has taken advantage of the game’s fame and started distributing online maps that cover the iconic locations to encourage visitors to make a route.
With 8 million copies on Steam alone in the first 48 hours and attracting Chinese gamers to buy PlayStation 5 in large numbers just to play it, Black Myth Wukong has become not only a global success but also one of the most significant games in the country’s history. A phenomenon that has had a strong impact on culture as well.
Images: Ken Marshall, Brendan Wang, 何谨,
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