The reveal of Black Myth: Zhong Kui is more than just a new game—it’s the next step in building a mythological universe that blends ancient folklore with modern blockbuster gaming. By shifting from the Monkey King to the Ghost-Catching God, Game Science is opening the door to darker, more supernatural adventures that promise to captivate fans for years to come.
The journey is only beginning, but one thing is clear: the Black Myth series is carving out its place as one of gaming’s most ambitious new sagas.
A New Hero, A New Myth
Game Science captured global attention with Black Myth: Wukong, a stunning reimagining of the Monkey King’s journey from Journey to the West. Now, the studio is turning to another legendary figure from Chinese folklore—Zhong Kui, the fierce ghost-slaying deity.
Often portrayed with a thick beard and a fearsome glare, Zhong Kui’s myth tells of a gifted scholar whose frightening appearance cost him an imperial post. After his tragic death, the King of Ghosts honored his righteousness by naming him ruler of the underworld and commander against evil spirits.
This darker legend offers fertile ground for storytelling. Fans are already speculating that Zhong Kui will dive into horror-infused gameplay, spectral combat, and eerie underworld settings—marking a striking contrast to the martial arts-driven action of Wukong. Game Science has promised a new hero, new mechanics, and a fresh narrative, while keeping its core as a single-player action RPG intact.
Development and Release Details
The reveal trailer wowed audiences with cinematic flair, but Game Science was upfront: Black Myth: Zhong Kui is still in the earliest stages—“barely more than an empty folder,” according to the team. This transparency echoes the studio’s tradition of annual updates on August 20th, a practice they began with Wukong.
While the release is still years away, the studio has confirmed the game will launch on PC and all mainstream console platforms, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at day one. This resolves the one-year exclusivity issue that delayed Wukong’s Xbox debut, signaling a smoother global rollout for fans across platforms.
Why Not a Wukong Sequel?
Many expected Game Science to continue Sun Wukong’s saga with DLC or a direct sequel. But founder Feng Ji explained the decision: after such monumental success, the team wanted to challenge themselves with a different protagonist, fresh mechanics, and unexplored storytelling avenues.
He emphasized that while a Wukong sequel is still in the cards, the studio wanted to avoid “extending what already exists”—a philosophy inspired by late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who championed innovation over repetition.
This bold pivot positions Black Myth not as a one-off story, but as the start of a mythological anthology series. By treating “Black Myth” as a shared universe, Game Science can explore a wide array of Chinese legends, from Zhong Kui to the rumored Black Myth: Jiang Ziya.
Building a Universe of Myths
The choice to spotlight Zhong Kui signals Game Science’s larger vision: creating a culturally rich, AAA franchise rooted in Chinese folklore. As the global gaming market seeks fresh perspectives and diverse narratives, the Black Myth series is emerging as a trailblazer.
Each installment deepens this mythic universe, combining cutting-edge action gameplay with timeless stories. With Zhong Kui now stepping into the spotlight, Game Science is clearly aiming to expand its reach far beyond China, introducing worldwide audiences to legendary figures they may never have encountered before.
