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IN BRIEF
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Black Myth: Wukong has sparked a firestorm of debate among gamers after its unexpected loss at the prestigious Game Awards 2024. This highly anticipated action role-playing game, heralded as China’s first AAA title, failed to snag the coveted Game of the Year award, losing out to the charming Astro Bot. As waves of disappointment ripple through the gaming community in China, questions arise about the criteria for such honors and the implications of this snub for the future of Chinese gaming. With a remarkable launch in August and impressive sales figures, the underperformance at the awards stirs up both admiration and frustration from its passionate fanbase.
The action role-playing game Black Myth: Wukong faced a bitter disappointment at the 2024 Games Awards (TGA), as it missed out on the coveted Game of the Year award. This snub ignited a passionate debate among Chinese gamers, who had high hopes that this landmark title, representing China’s entrance into the AAA gaming arena, would take home the top prize. Competing fiercely against renowned games like Astro Bot and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the outcome has stirred feelings of anger and discontent within the gaming community.
The Ceremony and Its Highlights
The TGA, often referred to as the “Oscars of gaming,” held its annual awards ceremony in Los Angeles, where excitement and anticipation permeated the air. Black Myth: Wukong, a development by Game Science, had captured immense attention since its launch in August. Gamers eagerly awaited news, hoping to see it triumph over competitors. However, the award for Game of the Year ultimately went to the Japanese title Astro Bot, leaving fans stunned.
Chinese Gaming Landscape at the Awards
Despite recent successes, such as mobile games Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail winning Best Mobile Game in previous years, no Chinese-developed game had been nominated for the highest honor prior to Black Myth. This shocking outcome reflects the prevailing sentiment that despite the strides made by the Chinese gaming industry, there is still a long way to go in gaining equal footing on the global stage.
Social Media Outcry
The announcement of the results triggered a storm of reactions on Chinese social media. The names Black Myth and Astro Bot rapidly rose to the top of trending topics on Weibo, with netizens expressing their outrage and disappointment. One user, aptly named “Moyun,” voiced that losing to any other nominee would have been acceptable, but not to Astro Bot, stating that the user base for the Japanese game was disproportionately small for such an honor.
Sales vs. Awards: The Dichotomy
While Black Myth managed to sell over 10 million copies within just four days and even surpassed 20 million units in its first month, the TGA voting criteria hinges not on sales figures but rather on a combined jury made up of over 100 global media outlets, which hold a significant 90 percent voting weight. The remaining votes come from fans, creating a scenario where commercial success does not always align with recognition at major awards.
Voices from the Developers
In the aftermath of the awards, Feng Ji, the producer of Black Myth, raised an eyebrow at the criteria set by The Game Awards. His comments spurred further deliberation and scrutiny regarding how games are evaluated. While the developers basked in the game’s success and the praise it garnered, the award snub has led to questions about biases and recognition processes within the industry.
Cultural Implications
The disappointment over the loss reverberates beyond just the gaming community; it represents a cultural sentiment that Chinese games struggle to receive their due recognition internationally. For many Chinese gamers, Black Myth: Wukong‘s loss serves as a symbol of broader challenges faced by the industry and the perception that Western games often overshadow their Eastern counterparts, igniting conversations about the future of gaming in China.
The Road Ahead for Black Myth: Wukong
Despite the setbacks at the TGA, Black Myth: Wukong remains a landmark title within the gaming industry, showing immense promise and potential. The discussions and debates sparked by its reception indicate an evolving landscape for Chinese video games at international awards. For now, the developers continue to build on the success they achieved, setting their sights on how future entries may impact the gaming culture at large.
For those wanting to delve deeper into the ramifications of this outcome, you can check various insights from industry experts and other gamers on websites like Gamerant and Yahoo Tech.
Comparison of Black Myth: Wukong and Competitors in the Game Awards
| Game | Details |
| Black Myth: Wukong | Developed by Game Science; missed Game of the Year; over 20 million copies sold in the first month. |
| Astro Bot | Won Game of the Year; released on PlayStation 5; sold 1.5 million copies by November 3. |
| Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree | Highly acclaimed sequel; nominated for multiple awards; known for expansive gameplay. |
| Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | Renowned franchise; received critical acclaim; boasted a rich narrative and graphics. |
| Chinese Gaming Recognition | Black Myth was the first AAA Chinese game nominated; prior titles like Genshin Impact also saw success. |
FAQ: Black Myth: Wukong and Its Award Show Controversy
What happened at The Game Awards 2024? Black Myth: Wukong missed out on the coveted Game of the Year award, leading to intense discussions among Chinese gamers who had high hopes for the country’s first AAA video game.
Which game won the Game of the Year award? The award was won by the Japanese game Astro Bot, amidst a competitive lineup that included titles like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
What has been the reaction on social media following the award results? The outcome triggered strong reactions on Chinese social media platforms, particularly Weibo, where discussions revolved around dissatisfaction and anger from the gaming community.
How did Black Myth: Wukong perform commercially compared to Astro Bot? Black Myth: Wukong achieved impressive sales, recording over 10 million copies sold within four days of its release and more than 20 million in its first month, while Astro Bot sold 1.5 million copies by November 3, two months post-launch.
What criteria are used to determine the winners at The Game Awards? The Game Awards winners are selected by a blended voting jury that includes over 100 global media and influencer outlets, with their votes holding a 90% weight, and the remaining percentage comes from fan votes.
Has Black Myth: Wukong received any recognition at the awards? Despite not winning the Game of the Year honor, Black Myth: Wukong did manage to secure two wins in other categories, having been nominated for a total of five awards.
