Chinese video game

The release of 'Black Myth: Wukong,' hailed as China's first AAA video game, has garnered significant commercial success but also sparked controversy over censorship. Developed by Game Science and backed by Tencent, the game quickly became the most-played title on Steam, achieving over 2.2 million concurrent players. However, prior to its launch, reviewers received guidelines discouraging discussions on sensitive topics such as Covid-19, feminism, and China's game industry policies, which many perceive as censorship. Critics, including French journalist Benoit Reinier, condemned these guidelines as an attempt to suppress free expression. Despite the backlash, the game has been praised for its graphics and cultural representation, highlighting a complex interplay between creative success and political constraints in China's gaming industry. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between cultural aspirations and government restrictions in the country.