How China’s first AAA game Wukong Became One of the Fastest Selling Games in History

Feng Ji spent $70M developing China’s first AAA game from scratch, and everybody thought he was nuts. Industry veterans scoffed, investors balked, and even his own team had moments of doubt. But Feng saw something others didn’t – a golden opportunity hidden beneath layers of risk and uncertainty.

Six and a half years later, Black Myth: Wukong became one of the fastest-selling games in history, shattering records and redefining the landscape of the global gaming industry. This is the story of how one man’s audacious vision transformed into a cultural phenomenon that took the world by storm.

In just three days after its launch on August 20, 2024, Black Myth: Wukong sold a staggering 10 million copies. Within two weeks, it had generated $852 million in revenue.

On Steam, it achieved the second-highest concurrent player count, trailing only behind the behemoth PUBG. These weren’t just impressive numbers; they were a seismic shift in the gaming world’s tectonic plates.

China had just proven itself in the gaming big leagues, and at the center of it all stood Feng Ji, the CEO of Game Science, whose journey from a typical gaming addict to a visionary game developer reads like a modern-day fairy tale.

The Genesis of a Dream

Feng Ji’s story begins like many in the gaming world – with an addiction. In 2005, World of Warcraft consumed his life, leading him to abandon his graduate studies and spend countless hours in internet cafes. This obsession, which might have derailed another person’s life, became the foundation of Feng’s future. His prowess in the game eventually caught the attention of industry professionals, landing him a job in game design.

By 2008, Feng had climbed the ranks to lead the development of “Asura” at Tencent, a game that, coincidentally, also featured the Monkey King. However, this experience would prove to be a turning point in Feng’s career.

As the project progressed, he found himself at odds with the company’s focus on revenue over gameplay. Feng firmly believed that games should be “fun first,” a philosophy that would become the cornerstone of his future endeavors.

The Birth of Game Science

Driven by his ideals and frustration with the industry’s priorities, Feng made a bold move in 2014. Along with seven like-minded colleagues, he left the security of his position at Tencent to form Game Science.

This new studio represented more than just a business venture; it was the manifestation of Feng’s dream to create games that prioritized player experience over profit.

The early days of Game Science were far from glamorous. To keep the lights on, the team focused on developing mobile games. However, their first two attempts ended in failure, a harsh reality that might have discouraged less determined individuals. But for Feng and his team, these setbacks only fueled their desire to succeed.

The Spark of Opportunity

As Game Science struggled to find its footing, a significant shift was occurring in the gaming landscape. By 2016, data from Steam revealed that one-third of its active users were from China. This statistic wasn’t just a number; it was a clear indication that Chinese gamers were hungry for high-quality gaming experiences.

Moreover, it signaled that the development skills within China had reached a level where creating world-class games was no longer just a pipe dream.

Feng recognized this moment as the opportunity he had been waiting for. He famously stated, “We’re willing to burn ourselves, but we’re not moths flying to the fire.” This poetic declaration encapsulated Game Science’s approach: calculated risk-taking driven by passion and vision.

A Pivotal Partnership

Every great story has its unsung heroes, and in the case of Black Myth: Wukong, that hero was Daniel Wu. Wu, who had forged a close friendship with Feng over late-night gaming sessions, saw the potential in Feng’s vision when others might have dismissed it as overly ambitious.

In 2017, Wu made a bet that would prove crucial to the game’s development. He purchased a 20% stake in Game Science for $8.5 million, providing the studio with much-needed capital. Despite the losses incurred by earlier projects, Wu’s faith in Feng and his team remained unshaken. This partnership exemplified the kind of loyalty and belief that can turn dreams into reality.

The Great Divide

As Game Science grew, so did the tension between Feng’s vision for creating meaningful, single-player experiences and the financial necessity of mobile game development. This conflict led to a significant decision: the company would split into two teams.

One would continue to develop mobile games to ensure a steady income stream, while the other, led by Feng, would pursue the ambitious goal of creating China’s first AAA single-player game.

On February 25, 2018, Game Science officially began development on what would become Black Myth: Wukong. The commitment required for this project was immense. Team members quit their jobs, sold properties, and prepared for years without income. Wu, true to his support, provided additional funding and contributed a substantial portion of the game’s $70 million budget.

Crafting a Cultural Masterpiece

From the outset, Feng’s vision for Black Myth: Wukong was clear: create a game that would not only stand shoulder to shoulder with global AAA titles but also serve as a showcase of traditional Chinese culture. This ambition drove every aspect of the game’s development.

The team’s dedication to authenticity was unparalleled. They immersed themselves in Chinese mythology, reading the classical novel “Journey to the West” over 100 times. They visited countless cultural sites, drawing inspiration from ancient architecture, art, and landscapes.

This meticulous research extended to the game’s visual design, where the team created an astounding 1.2 billion models for the Monkey King’s armor alone.

Overcoming Adversity

Creating China’s first AAA game was a monumental task fraught with challenges. As the team expanded from its original seven members to thirty, they faced a significant hurdle: a lack of experienced talent in AAA game development within China. This shortage meant that many team members had to learn on the job, adapting to new technologies and workflows.

The adoption of the Unreal Engine, while necessary for achieving the game’s visual fidelity, presented its own set of challenges. The team had to rapidly upskill to harness the engine’s full potential, a process that was both time-consuming and frustrating.

These difficulties took their toll. Wu and Feng, in a moment of candid reflection, referred to themselves as “two drowning rats.” The project teetered on the brink of failure, with the team’s resources and morale stretched to their limits.

The Turning Point

August 2020 marked a pivotal moment in the development of Black Myth: Wukong. In a move that was initially intended as a recruitment tool, Game Science released a 13-minute gameplay trailer. What happened next exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations.

The trailer went viral, amassing 2 million views on YouTube and an incredible 25 million views on Bilibili, China’s video-sharing platform. The gaming world was set ablaze with excitement, and the impact on Game Science was immediate and profound:

• The studio received over 10,000 job applications, allowing them to cherry-pick top talent.
• The development team grew to 140 employees, bringing in much-needed expertise.
• Tencent, recognizing the game’s potential, purchased a 5% stake in Game Science.

What had started as a simple recruitment video had transformed into a global sensation, catapulting Black Myth: Wukong and Game Science into the international spotlight.

A Legendary Launch

After years of development, anticipation, and speculation, Black Myth: Wukong finally launched on August 20, 2024. The game’s release was nothing short of phenomenal, shattering records and exceeding even the most optimistic predictions:

• Within just three days, the game sold an astonishing 10 million copies.
• In its first two weeks, Black Myth: Wukong generated $852 million in revenue.
• On Steam, it achieved the second-highest concurrent player count, trailing only behind the behemoth PUBG.

These figures placed Black Myth: Wukong in the pantheon of gaming giants, surpassing the launch performances of acclaimed titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Palworld. The game’s success was further cemented by its critical reception, boasting a 95% positive rating from over 700,000 Steam reviews.

The impact of Black Myth: Wukong extended far beyond sales figures. It became a cultural phenomenon, bridging the gap between Chinese mythology and global audiences. The game’s success inspired a new wave of developers to create games based on their own cultural mythologies and histories.

Perhaps most surprisingly, it had a significant impact on tourism, with visits to cultural sites featured in the game increasing by 300%.

A Nation’s Pride

The success of Black Myth: Wukong resonated deeply within China. It was celebrated not just as a commercial triumph, but as a source of national pride. For the first time, a Chinese-developed game had not only competed with but surpassed many Western AAA titles, proving that China’s game development industry had arrived on the global stage.

The game’s impact was felt across various sectors:

• It boosted confidence in China’s creative industries.
• It attracted international attention to Chinese mythology and culture.
• It inspired a new generation of Chinese game developers and artists.

Even figures outside the gaming world took notice, with tech magnate Elon Musk commenting on the game’s success, further amplifying its global recognition.

Feng Ji: The Humble Visionary

Despite the overwhelming success and adulation, Feng Ji remained characteristically humble. When asked about the game’s achievements, he responded with a touch of philosophy: “When you are at the peak of confidence, you are also staring at the valley of foolishness.”

This statement encapsulated Feng’s approach to game development and success. Rather than resting on his laurels, he immediately turned his attention to the future, focusing on expansion packs and maintaining the game’s quality.

Lessons from a Legend

The story of Black Myth: Wukong and Feng Ji offers several valuable lessons for the gaming industry and beyond:

1. Vision and Persistence: Feng’s unwavering commitment to his vision, despite numerous setbacks, was crucial to the game’s success.
2. Cultural Authenticity: The game’s deep roots in Chinese mythology resonated with audiences worldwide, highlighting the universal appeal of authentic storytelling.
3. Quality Over Monetization: By prioritizing gameplay and user experience over aggressive monetization, Game Science created a product that players genuinely loved.
4. The Power of Partnerships: The support of Daniel Wu and other investors who believed in the project was instrumental in seeing it through to completion.
5. Embracing Challenges: The team’s willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to AAA development showcased the importance of continuous learning in the tech industry.
6. The Global Market: Black Myth: Wukong’s success demonstrated that there is a significant global appetite for diverse cultural experiences in gaming.

The Road Ahead

As Black Myth: Wukong continues to make waves in the gaming world, its impact is likely to be felt for years to come. It has not only set a new standard for Chinese game development but has also challenged the global gaming industry to embrace diverse cultural narratives.

For Feng Ji and Game Science, the journey is far from over. With the success of their debut AAA title, expectations for their future projects are sky-high. How they navigate this new landscape of success and expectation will be a story worth following.

In the end, the tale of Black Myth: Wukong is more than just a recounting of sales figures and concurrent player counts. It’s a testament to the power of passion, cultural pride, and the universal language of great gameplay.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the legend of the Monkey King, both in mythology and in gaming history, will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.