(ANN/CHINA DAILY) – The newly launched Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong has sparked a nationwide buying frenzy, driving sales of personal computers, Sony PlayStation 5 consoles, and related electronics to unprecedented levels in China.
Inspired by the 16th-century classic novel Journey to the West and developed by Chinese gaming company Game Science, Black Myth: Wukong captured the attention of gamers even before its official release on Tuesday. The excitement surrounding the action role-playing game led to a surge in demand for advanced gaming consoles and accessories.
According to Alibaba’s e-commerce platform Tmall, sales of PS5 consoles soared by over 100 per cent year-on-year from August 13 to August 19. In the same period, other esports-related electronics, including laptops, keyboards, and headphones, experienced robust year-on-year growth exceeding 80 per cent.
“The launch of Black Myth: Wukong has had a remarkable impact on the sales of our products,” Tmall reported, noting significant increases for brands like Sony, Ipason, Razer, and Logitech.
Ahead of the game’s release, domestic coffee chain Luckin Coffee also capitalized on the excitement, introducing a special Americano inspired by Black Myth: Wukong. The promotion included free limited-edition 3D posters, cup holders, and other themed accessories. The special items were so popular that they sold out in seconds, nearly crashing Luckin Coffee’s online system.
“The extraordinary enthusiasm displayed by male Chinese customers, who form the majority of the country’s gaming market, has reshaped our understanding of their purchasing power,” said Yang Fei, Chief Growth Officer of Luckin Coffee.
Black Myth: Wukong allows players to embody Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, as they navigate his epic journey westward. Within three days of its launch, the game sold over 10 million copies globally, becoming one of the fastest-selling video games of all time, according to VG Insights, a video game market research platform.
Hailed as China’s first Triple-A video game masterpiece, Black Myth: Wukong is praised for its stunning visual effects and is expected to serve as a benchmark for future Chinese games aiming for global success.
“The Chinese novel Journey to the West has long been popular internationally, and the character of Wukong resonates worldwide. The game combines both Chinese and global elements, making it an instant hit,” said Li Yang, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.
Li added, “Video games have a higher market penetration rate among young foreign consumers than traditional Chinese books. The game’s high production quality and accurate English subtitles effectively convey the emotional depth of the original novel, helping to promote Chinese culture on a global stage.”
China has now surpassed the United States as the world’s largest gaming market, offering vast growth opportunities for game developers, according to international data company IDC. The success of Black Myth: Wukong is being compared to domestic blockbuster films like The Wandering Earth and Wolf Warrior II.
“The launch of a high-quality, domestically produced game comparable to overseas products has triggered a wave of national pride, leading players to enthusiastically promote the game through word-of-mouth,” noted Founder Securities.
Shen Yang, a 31-year-old gamer from Beijing, shared, “Our generation grew up with Journey to the West. Black Myth: Wukong evokes a deep sense of familiarity and national pride, with its visuals inspired by China’s scenic landscapes and production quality rivaling the best overseas games.”
