Black Myth: Wukong has become a turning point for China’s premium gaming industry, with industry experts saying its global success has changed how international publishers, investors, and developers view the country’s AAA game development scene.
Speaking during a panel at Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Shanghai, Transcend Fund principal Lirui Ding said the success of Game Science’s action RPG has reshaped perceptions of China’s gaming market.
According to Ding, China has long been associated with free-to-play mobile games rather than premium console and PC releases.
“No one ever took China seriously as a triple-A developer.”
He explained that Black Myth: Wukong changed that perception. Although Ding estimated that 70% to 80% of the game’s sales came from China, its worldwide popularity demonstrated the country’s ability to produce globally successful AAA titles.
Ding added that more overseas publishers, studios, and investors are now paying attention to China’s development scene, while lower production costs compared with other AAA development hubs have further increased its appeal.
He also noted a growing international presence at industry events, saying
“Investors who left video games are now coming back.”
According to Ding, the game’s commercial success has also highlighted the size of China’s premium games market, encouraging more companies to explore publishing opportunities in the country.
IndieLight Vice President Tony Shong echoed those comments, revealing that he has also seen more international visitors attending ChinaJoy since Black Myth: Wukong launched.
