An Analysis of Black Myth: Wukong's Online Breakthrough from the Perspective of Network Communication (Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan 411105)

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the online breakthrough phenomenon of Black Myth: Wukong from the perspective of network communication, analyzing the reasons behind its success and practical implications. The research scope encompasses the game's cultural depth, production quality, online promotional strategies, and cultural export effects, seeking to reveal its influence on and implications for cultural dissemination in the digital era.

Method: This study employs case analysis methodology, systematically examining Black Myth: Wukong's journey from its initial unveiling to its rise to global attention. Combining network communication theories, it provides an in-depth analysis of the key factors contributing to its successful breakthrough. Simultaneously, through data statistics and content analysis, it quantitatively evaluates the game's dissemination effectiveness and audience reactions on online platforms.

Results: The findings demonstrate that Black Myth: Wukong's successful breakthrough stems from its profound cultural heritage, high-quality game production and online promotional strategies, and successful cultural export practices. The game skillfully integrates traditional Chinese cultural elements with modern game design concepts, creating a unique Eastern fantasy world that has captured the attention and affection of global players. Meanwhile, its official promotional strategies are precise and effective, fully leveraging the power of social media and online platforms to achieve rapid information diffusion and deep penetration. Furthermore, through cross-cultural communication, the game has enhanced the influence of Chinese games on the international stage.

Conclusion: This study finds that Black Myth: Wukong's successful breakthrough offers valuable insights for the innovative development of cultural and artistic industries and the exploration of cultural export pathways. It reveals the importance of actively embracing new technologies and media to facilitate exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and world cultures. Simultaneously, it emphasizes the significance of synergistic cultural innovation and cultural dissemination for building cultural confidence and achieving cultural self-strengthening. This research aims to provide beneficial references for the integrated development of the gaming and cultural industries through in-depth analysis of Black Myth: Wukong's online breakthrough phenomenon, thereby promoting the international dissemination and exchange of Chinese culture.

Keywords: network communication; cultural fusion; technological innovation; cultural confidence; Black Myth: Wukong

CLC Number: G211 Document Code: A Article ID: 1671-0134(2025)05-40-04 DOI: 10.19483/j.cnki.11-4653/n.2025.05.007

Citation Format: Xiao Bocheng. An Analysis of Black Myth: Wukong's Online Breakthrough from the Perspective of Network Communication [J]. China Media Technology, 2025, 32(5): 40-43.

The Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 proposes "implementing a digital strategy for the cultural industry, accelerating the development of new cultural enterprises, cultural formats, and cultural consumption models, and strengthening digital creativity, online audiovisual, digital publishing, digital entertainment, online performances, and other industries." Against this backdrop, the gaming industry, as a shining star in the digital entertainment sector and in its capacity as the "ninth art," is profoundly influencing the landscape of cultural dissemination. Black Myth: Wukong, as a game work that deeply integrates diverse cultural resources, has sparked widespread social response and heated discussion online upon the release of its promotional and test videos, pushing issues such as "Chinese culture," "cross-cultural communication," and "cultural export" to the forefront of public discourse. Its successful "breaking of the circle" originates from the creative transformation and utilization of profound cultural resources, transcending multiple artistic fields including literature, music, and architecture, and demonstrating the infinite possibilities of cultural fusion and innovation. Examining Black Myth: Wukong and its derivative videos from the perspective of network communication can not only reveal its cultural dissemination mechanisms and effects in the digital age but also provide valuable insights and references for the innovative development of cultural and artistic industries and the exploration of cultural export pathways. This process concerns not only the expansion of international influence of cultural products but also serves as an important practice for promoting Chinese cultural confidence and mutual learning between world civilizations.

1. The "Breaking the Circle" Success of Black Myth: Wukong

1.1 Unveiling and Showcase

Since its initial unveiling, Black Myth: Wukong has stunned the global gaming community and broader audiences with a series of meticulously planned gameplay test videos. From its first appearance in August 2020 to its subsequent stunning showcase in August 2021 powered by Unreal Engine 5 technology, these two video releases not only demonstrated the game's astonishing visual quality and smooth operational experience but also wove visual and auditory spectacles for viewers through cinematic-level narrative techniques. Each gameplay demonstration felt like a trailer for an upcoming Eastern fantasy blockbuster, captivating countless gamers and non-gamers alike.

In 2022, as development progressed, Black Myth: Wukong once again ignited the enthusiasm of players and audiences with a dual release of a 6-minute gameplay story segment and an 8-minute gameplay test video. These two videos not only maintained the high production standards of their predecessors but also took significant strides in narrative depth and character development, expanding discussion topics from mere gameplay experience to speculation and interpretation of complex storylines, as well as in-depth exploration and heated discussion of traditional Chinese culture. This cross-domain cultural resonance undoubtedly won the game unprecedented attention [1].

In terms of data, Black Myth: Wukong's official promotional videos have achieved remarkable results globally. On YouTube, two official gameplay demonstration videos released by the renowned gaming media outlet IGN quickly surpassed ten million views, becoming hot topics both within and beyond gaming circles. Simultaneously, various gaming news websites and self-media bloggers joined the dissemination efforts, further expanding the game's influence through reposting, analysis, and secondary creation. In China, Bilibili, as an important hub for video content, similarly witnessed the game's explosive popularity. From 2020 to 2022, each annual video release triggered viewing frenzies, particularly the two preview videos in 2022, which both reached ten-million-level viewership within just one month of release. This achievement is not only rare within gaming circles but also demonstrates its transcendence of gaming boundaries to become a cultural phenomenon of national concern.

Following the release of the game trailers, their unique Eastern aesthetic charm rapidly spread through cyberspace, capturing the attention of numerous netizens worldwide. Overseas users have been captivated by the meticulously designed scenes, character modeling, and costume details in the game, sparking heated discussions and sharing online. Through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, they actively post their viewing experiences and engage in real-time interaction with netizens from around the world, jointly exploring the profound cultural heritage and unique aesthetic values presented by Black Myth: Wukong.

This cross-regional and cross-cultural exchange based on network communication has not only greatly broadened the game's audience reach but also promoted understanding and respect among people from different cultural backgrounds [5]. Netizens freely express their views and share insights online, creating collisions and fusion of diverse cultures. In this process, Black Myth: Wukong is disseminated not merely as a game but also as a window for cultural exchange, allowing more people to appreciate the charm of Eastern culture.

The immediacy, extensiveness, and interactivity of network communication have provided strong support for Black Myth: Wukong's successful "breaking of the circle." It has broken the boundaries of traditional media, enabling cultural dissemination to transcend geographical and temporal constraints and achieve rapid global dissemination and sharing. Simultaneously, network communication has provided new ideas and opportunities for the deep integration of the gaming and cultural industries, driving the innovation and development of cultural products.

1.2 Background of the Breakthrough

The successful "breaking of the circle" by Black Myth: Wukong lies not only in its exceptional game quality and technological innovation but also in its skillful fusion of traditional Chinese cultural elements with modern game design concepts, creating an Eastern fantasy world that is both familiar and novel. Throughout this process, the potential of games as a medium for cultural dissemination has been fully tapped, breaking not only the barriers between gaming circles and other cultural fields but also promoting exchanges and mutual learning between domestic and international cultures, contributing to global cultural prosperity and development [3].

2. Analysis of Reasons for Black Myth: Wukong's Online Breakthrough

2.1 Profound Cultural Heritage

As a monumental game work that profoundly pays homage to Journey to the West, the pioneering masterpiece of Chinese mythology novels, the production team of Black Myth: Wukong has demonstrated remarkable craftsmanship. They have not only inherited the rich content and brilliant essence of Journey to the West but also, building upon the high praise from the Encyclopedia Americana, established "Journey to the West stories" and "Journey to the West sentiment" as the spiritual cornerstone, opening a new chapter in modern gaming and cultural inheritance.

The team has deeply mined the treasure trove of classical Chinese poetry and allusions, skillfully integrating these brilliant cultural heritages into game design to showcase unparalleled Chinese cultural charm. Using Journey to the West as their blueprint, they have conducted meticulous analysis and interpretation while employing rich imagination and deconstructive courage to transcend from the dimension of personal cultivation ("knowing oneself") to the cosmic firmament ("knowing the world"), ultimately settling on the grand perspective of compassion for humanity ("knowing all beings"). They have provided refreshing reinterpretations of the human, monster, deity, and Buddha characters in the original work, as well as the journey to obtain the scriptures.

Particularly noteworthy is the story interlude released in 2022, which uses "half a lifetime wandering through mountains and seas, a solitary boat" to symbolize the loneliness and resilience of the characters' journey, and "why is it that hearts that beat as one never last long" to express the depth and impermanence of emotions. With ornate diction, allusions in every line, rigorous logic, and superior quality, it further deepens the game's cultural heritage and emotional resonance.

Black Myth: Wukong skillfully incorporates contemporary reflections while retaining classic settings, making its background, characters, themes, and copywriting all display distinct contemporary characteristics and profound philosophical thinking. This has stimulated enthusiastic discussions and infinite imagination among audiences regarding plot development and innovative pathways [6]. This game is not only a tribute and innovation to the cultural treasure of Journey to the West but also a paragon of the perfect fusion of traditional Chinese culture and modern game art.

2.2 High-Quality Game Production and Online Promotion

Black Myth: Wukong is developed using Unreal Engine 5, a choice that brings unprecedented graphical performance and technical capabilities. Unreal Engine 5 is renowned for its powerful rendering capabilities, efficient physics simulation, and realistic lighting effects, enabling Black Myth: Wukong to achieve unprecedented heights in visual presentation.

Furthermore, the official promotion of Black Myth: Wukong has been exceptionally well-executed. The official promotional videos and gameplay demonstration videos have attracted significant attention with their exquisite visuals and stunning effects [7]. These videos not only showcase the game's distinctive gameplay and storyline content but also create a strong atmosphere and emotional impact through clever editing and soundtrack, stimulating players' desire to purchase. Additionally, the production team actively engages with players through social media and gaming forums, collecting feedback and continuously optimizing game content and promotional strategies, maintaining high popularity and topicality throughout the promotion process [8].

2.3 Successful Online Practice of Cultural Export

In the process of Black Myth: Wukong's online breakthrough, the power of network communication cannot be underestimated. It has not only accelerated the game's rapid rise to fame domestically but also facilitated its successful practice of cultural export, significantly enhancing the influence of Chinese games on the international stage [9].

Black Myth: Wukong has fully utilized global online platforms such as social media, gaming forums, and video-sharing websites for extensive and in-depth promotion. These platforms transcend geographical limitations, enabling game information to spread rapidly worldwide [10]. By releasing exquisite game screenshots, stunning gameplay demonstration videos, and in-depth game analysis articles on these platforms, the production team has successfully captured the attention of global players, stimulating their curiosity and desire to explore.

In the process of network communication, word-of-mouth dissemination and community effects have played crucial roles [11]. With its high-quality production and unique gaming experience, Black Myth: Wukong has won the love and praise of numerous loyal players. These players share their gaming experiences and feelings through social media and gaming forums, creating a positive word-of-mouth effect. Simultaneously, they spontaneously organize community activities such as strategy sharing and cosplay, further expanding the game's influence and audience reach.

3. Practical Reflections on the Dissemination of Black Myth: Wukong

3.1 Prerequisite: Enhancing Cultural Confidence

China possesses rich cultural heritage. In the wave of globalization, the online breakthrough phenomenon of Black Myth: Wukong game videos serves as a refreshing stream, demonstrating to the world the powerful strength and unique advantages of Chinese cultural innovation and dissemination [12]. This game skillfully fuses the essence of traditional culture with modern gaming technology, using new media forms such as short videos to transcend language and geographical boundaries, allowing global audiences to experience the unique charm and infinite appeal of Chinese culture.

Therefore, continuously seeking and enhancing cultural consciousness is of immeasurable value to contemporary China. It is not only key to handling the relationship between tradition and modernity, foreign and local cultures but also an important force in promoting Chinese culture to the world and participating in global cultural governance. In future development, we should continue to deepen our understanding and practice of cultural consciousness, demonstrating the unique charm and profound heritage of Chinese culture to the world with greater confidence.

3.2 Core: Breaking Through Promotion Paths

The breakthrough of Black Myth: Wukong in promotion and network communication can be considered a revolution in the gaming industry, with its successful strategies setting a model for future endeavors.

First, in terms of promotional strategy, Black Myth: Wukong adopted a combination of precise positioning and extensive coverage. The production team accurately grasped the interests and expectations of target audience groups, using carefully planned trailers, concept art, and gameplay demonstrations to strike a chord with players and stimulate their desire to explore and purchase. Simultaneously, they fully utilized high-end platforms such as global gaming exhibitions and award ceremonies for face-to-face displays and exchanges, further expanding the game's influence and visibility [13].

Furthermore, in the creation of promotional content, Black Myth: Wukong has demonstrated extremely high artistic standards and cultural depth. The production team not only focused on exquisite visual presentation but also invested considerable effort in copywriting, soundtrack selection, and video editing, striving to make every promotional material a work of art that conveys the game's spirit and cultural connotations. This deep excavation and meticulous refinement of promotional content have made Black Myth: Wukong stand out among numerous games and become a hot topic among players [14].

More importantly, throughout the network communication process, Black Myth: Wukong has maintained close interaction and communication with players. The production team actively responds to player feedback and suggestions, continuously optimizing game content and experience. Simultaneously, they encourage players to share their gaming insights and creative works, further enriching the game's cultural ecosystem and community atmosphere through UGC (User-Generated Content) [15]. This player-centered interactive communication model not only enhances players' sense of belonging and loyalty but also lays a solid foundation for the game's sustainable development and word-of-mouth dissemination.

3.3 Experience: Achieving Cultural Self-Strengthening

As globalization accelerates, foreign cultures are strongly entering China's cultural market through the power of games and their derivatives. This phenomenon profoundly reveals that China is facing and continuously striving to break through the key bottleneck of "cultural self-strengthening." The synergistic advancement of cultural innovation and cultural dissemination is not only the cornerstone of building cultural confidence but also the necessary path to achieving the goal of becoming a culturally strong nation [16].

Although Black Myth: Wukong is still in development and has received mixed evaluations from various quarters, its innovative attempts and the widespread dissemination of its game videos have undoubtedly created waves in the field of cross-cultural communication, winning widespread attention and praise. Its successful "breaking of the circle" not only demonstrates vivid practice of cultural self-strengthening but also marks another milestone in the deep integration and innovative development of games and culture, providing valuable insights for cross-industry integration between other industries and the cultural industry.

From the perspective of current cross-cultural communication effectiveness, Black Myth: Wukong's series of videos has far outpaced numerous games and even works from other industries, with its influence transcending national borders and becoming a clear example of cultural self-strengthening. This achievement is not only an active exploration of the deep integration between the gaming industry and cultural innovation but also indicates that the future development of the digital entertainment industry requires persistent efforts from more innovative game design teams like this [17].

China's cross-cultural communication endeavors urgently need the active participation and support of the "ninth art"—the emerging cultural form of video games. The construction of a culturally strong nation cannot be separated from the deep integration and collaborative innovation between games and other diverse fields and culture. Through the universal language of games, we can more effectively tell Chinese stories, disseminate Chinese culture, promote exchanges and mutual learning between world cultures, and jointly advance the prosperity and development of global culture.

Black Myth: Wukong is not only a model of successful game development but also a vivid practice of Chinese cultural confidence and cultural dissemination innovation [18]. Based on profound cultural heritage and through high-quality game production and network promotion, it has successfully transcended gaming circles to become a global cultural phenomenon. This process not only demonstrates the rise and strength of China's gaming industry but also opens new pathways for the international dissemination of Chinese culture. Looking ahead, we anticipate the emergence of more works like Black Myth: Wukong that, with a more open and inclusive mindset, promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and world cultures, jointly building a diverse, symbiotic, and harmoniously developing global cultural ecosystem, and contributing to the goals of achieving cultural self-strengthening and building a culturally strong nation.

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Author Bio: Xiao Bocheng (2001—), male, from Loudi, Hunan, master's student, research direction: new media studies.

(Responsible Editor: Li Yansong)