The world of gaming is no stranger to heated debates about awards, and this year’s The Game Awards (TGA) was no exception. Feng Ji, the CEO of Game Science, creators of the highly anticipated Black Myth: Wukong, didn’t hold back after the game failed to win the coveted Game of the Year award.
Taking to Weibo, China’s popular social media platform, Feng Ji expressed both frustration and deep reflection, sparking conversation across the gaming community. Let’s dive into what happened and what he had to say.
“I Came Here for Nothing”
Feng Ji’s Weibo post was a seven-part statement, sharing his feelings about Black Myth: Wukong missing out on Game of the Year. In his most striking comment, he said:
“I came here for nothing.”
While the statement raised eyebrows, it’s important to note that Wukong didn’t leave TGA 2024 empty-handed. The game was nominated for five awards, including Best Art Direction, Player’s Choice, Best Action Game, Best Game Direction, and the ultimate Game of the Year title. It won two of these categories: Player’s Choice and Best Action Game.
Despite these victories, the sting of missing the night’s top honor was clearly felt by Feng Ji, especially since Wukong was the lowest-rated nominee on Metacritic for Game of the Year.
A Reflection on Gaming’s Purpose
Feng Ji’s post wasn’t just about venting—it also included poignant reflections on the role of gaming in today’s world. One part of his statement read:
“There are still many people in this world who don’t have the chance to play so-called AAA games. Many people who’ve never used consoles or computers. Many who feel confused, hurt, or even desperate about the current state of the world.”
He added:
“The more this happens, the more we need to create better games—games that let more people experience truth, kindness, and beauty.”
While translations of his full post vary, the message seems clear: Feng Ji sees gaming as more than just a product. For him, it’s an art form capable of making a meaningful impact.
The Context of the Speech
Interestingly, Feng Ji referenced a speech he had prepared two years ago for a prior TGA event. While the specifics of the speech remain unclear due to translation nuances, it underscores the deep commitment and emotional investment the Black Myth team poured into the game.
The disappointment at not winning Game of the Year highlights the high expectations they had, both internally and externally, for Black Myth: Wukong as a transformative project.
Post-TGA Fallout and Industry Buzz
With TGA 2024 in the rearview mirror, the gaming community continues to dissect its results and announcements:
- Ciri in The Witcher 4: The reveal of Ciri as the new protagonist—and the recasting of the character with Ciara Berkeley—sparked heated debate among fans.
- Mafia: The Old Country: More details about this new entry in the Mafia franchise were unveiled, adding excitement to an already packed show.
Black Myth: Wukong may not have taken home the night’s biggest prize, but its multiple nominations and wins solidify it as a standout in 2024’s gaming landscape.
A Reminder of Gaming’s Competitive Nature
Awards shows like TGA often spark controversy, and Feng Ji’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the immense effort behind every game. While Black Myth: Wukong fell short of Game of the Year, it’s clear that Game Science sees the project as part of a broader mission to elevate the art of gaming.
As Feng Ji eloquently put it:
“We need to create better games that allow more people to feel truth, kindness, and beauty.”
The legacy of Black Myth: Wukong is just beginning, and whether or not it earns future awards, its impact on the industry is undeniable.
