The producer of Black Myth: Wukong has ignited some online debate following a social media post addressing the game’s experience at The Game Awards 2024 (TGA). Posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo shortly after the event, the producer expressed frustration over not winning the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) award, despite the game earning two other accolades.
The post, which has been translated and discussed extensively on platforms like Reddit, included comments about feeling regret and disappointment over the outcome. The producer reportedly admitted to having prepared a GOTY acceptance speech two years prior. Reactions to the post have varied widely, with some defending the producer’s right to feel strongly about their work, while others criticized the remarks as arrogant and disrespectful to the other nominees.
The Controversial Remarks
In the translated post, the producer acknowledged the team’s achievements, including winning the Player’s Voice award and Best Action Game, but lamented missing out on the GOTY title. The comments struck a nerve with many online observers, as the tone of the post was interpreted by some as bitter and dismissive of the competition.
One excerpt of the translation reportedly read: “The games nominated this year were all exceptional, but honestly, I still can’t figure out what the criteria were for Game of the Year. I feel like I came all the way here for nothing.”
Online Reactions
The post quickly gained traction on Reddit, particularly within gaming-related subreddits like r/Games. Reactions have ranged from critiques of the producer’s attitude to nuanced discussions about cultural and linguistic differences and the pressures of representing a nation in a competitive international industry. Some commenters viewed the remarks as reflective of entitlement, pointing out that Black Myth: Wukong was already an outlier as the lowest-rated game among GOTY nominees, with an 81 on Metacritic compared to other nominees’ scores in the 90s.
One commenter wrote: “Winning two awards and being nominated for GOTY as a debut game is an incredible achievement. This kind of reaction is just ungrateful.” Another added, “Preparing a GOTY speech two years in advance? That’s peak arrogance.”
However, other users defended the producer, attributing the remarks to cultural differences or miscommunication in translation. A Reddit user who claimed fluency in Mandarin stated: “The original post comes across even more bitter in its tone, but there’s also a sense of pride and defiance. It’s not uncommon in Chinese culture to show resilience in the face of perceived failure.”
Broader Implications
The discussion has also prompted broader conversations about the gaming industry’s cultural dynamics. Some Reddit users highlighted how Black Myth: Wukong, based on the Chinese classic Journey to the West, was a milestone in Chinese game development, representing a significant cultural export. Others noted that the game’s success, particularly in its home market, should not be overshadowed by awards outcomes.
Critics of the producer’s post emphasized the importance of humility in global competition. As one user remarked, “Instead of focusing on what was lost, they should celebrate what was gained—Black Myth: Wukong has opened doors for more Chinese developers on the world stage.”
What’s Next for Black Myth: Wukong?
Despite the controversy, Black Myth: Wukong remains a massive commercial and critical success, lauded for its stunning visuals and ambitious scope. The game’s reception has sparked interest in the future of the developer, who now has a substantial platform and resources for their next project. Industry observers speculate whether this incident will impact the studio’s reception at future awards ceremonies or if it will serve as a catalyst for even greater achievements.
