The global gaming community is buzzing once again thanks to Game Science, the Chinese developer behind 2024’s viral hit Black Myth: Wukong. At Gamescom 2025, the studio unveiled the first cinematic trailer for Black Myth: Zhong Kui, catapulting anticipation for its next mythological adventure. Within just 24 hours of release, the trailer crossed 10 million views on Bilibili, making it the platform’s hottest trending video, and instantly sparking conversations around the start of the Black Myth universe.
But what makes this announcement so important, and why are fans so excited about it? Let’s dive deep into everything we know about Black Myth: Zhong Kui, its mythological inspiration, and what this means for the future of Chinese gaming.
A New Universe: From Wukong to Zhong Kui
Game Science caught the world’s attention with Black Myth: Wukong, a dark, Soulslike-inspired action RPG rooted in Journey to the West, one of China’s most iconic classical texts. The game’s breathtaking visuals and fluid combat made it one of the most anticipated RPGs worldwide, proving China could produce AAA-quality games capable of competing with the likes of FromSoftware and Capcom.
Now, the studio is taking an even bigger step: expanding its vision into a full-fledged mythological universe.
Instead of being limited to Wukong’s journey, Game Science aims to tell multiple legendary tales under the “Black Myth” brand, starting with the fierce and fascinating figure of Zhong Kui — the Demon Slayer.
The Story Behind Zhong Kui’s Arrival
According to Yang Qi, the art director at Game Science, the spark for Black Myth: Zhong Kui was deeply personal. He shared that the idea originated from a dream in which a black-faced, red-bearded man holding a tiger appeared on a balcony. After researching Chinese history and culture, Yang realized that this figure strongly resembled Zhong Kui, a folk deity often depicted in Ming dynasty paintings as riding a tiger while wielding his demon-subduing sword.
What began as a small idea for a CG animation evolved into a full-fledged new project, driven by the team’s desire to explore other corners of Chinese mythology, after working over a decade on Journey to the West-inspired content.
This decision reflects Game Science’s ambition to go beyond one story and create a large-scale mythological multiverse, much like Marvel has done in film.
Who is Zhong Kui? The Demon Slayer of Chinese Mythology
To fully understand why Game Science chose him, it’s important to know who Zhong Kui really is.
In Chinese folklore, Zhong Kui is revered as a powerful deity of exorcism, justice, and protection. His legend originates in the Tang dynasty, where he is described as a scholar who was highly intelligent but tragically failed the imperial examination. Overcome with grief and shame, he committed suicide.
Yet, instead of fading into obscurity, Zhong Kui’s spirit found a new destiny. Legends say the Emperor of Hell saw his brilliance and loyalty, appointing him as a divine protector tasked with hunting down demons and wandering ghosts.
Traditionally, he is depicted wearing a red robe, a long bushy beard, an iron face, and a sword — the perfect image of a demon-slaying guardian. His presence is still considered auspicious in Chinese households, with paintings of Zhong Kui believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings.
By choosing him as the next protagonist in the Black Myth series, Game Science is tapping into one of the most enduring cultural icons of Chinese mythology.
The Trailer: A Dark and Haunting First Look
The Gamescom 2025 trailer for Black Myth: Zhong Kui doesn’t reveal gameplay yet, but it already sets the tone for what’s coming.
It opens in a fog-shrouded environment where two small demons struggle to carry an oversized sword. Out of the mist emerges Zhong Kui himself, riding a majestic tiger, exuding dominance, justice, and divine authority.
The trailer’s dark fantasy aesthetic, paired with high-end CG rendering, demonstrates Game Science’s growing command of cinematic storytelling. Fans praised its atmospheric tone, larger-than-life visuals, and commitment to bringing Chinese folklore to the forefront of the global gaming stage.
On platforms like Bilibili, players applauded Game Science for not rushing a Wukong DLC but instead taking their time to craft something fresh and meaningful. For many, Black Myth: Zhong Kui represents not just a game but a potential new chapter in elevating Chinese culture through gaming.
Why Black Myth: Zhong Kui Matters
The announcement of Black Myth: Zhong Kui holds tremendous significance for both fans and the global games industry. Here’s why:
- The Start of the Black Myth Universe: No longer limited to Journey to the West, the series is positioning itself as a full mythological franchise with multiple interconnected stories.
- Representation of Chinese Culture: Just as God of War brought Norse and Greek mythology to Western gamers, Black Myth is putting Chinese folklore on the global stage.
- Raising the Standard for Chinese Game Development: With world-class cinematic quality and storytelling, Game Science is building a reputation for delivering AAA-level experiences from China.
- Expanding Beyond Wukong’s Shadow: Instead of being typecast as the “Wukong studio,” Game Science is proving it has the creative range to build varied mythological heroes.
Development Status & What Comes Next
Game Science has made it clear that Black Myth: Zhong Kui is still in its early stages. The trailer was entirely CGI-based, meaning actual gameplay demonstrations are yet to come. Meanwhile, development for Black Myth: Wukong continues, with the team promising long-term support and eventual expansions once the core title is polished.
The company has also announced new job openings and is actively recruiting international talent, signaling its vision of expanding into a major global studio comparable to CD Projekt Red or FromSoftware.
Fan Reactions
The response from the gaming community has been overwhelmingly positive:
- Excitement for a Black Myth Universe: Fans love the idea of multiple mythological heroes rather than a single Wukong-centered narrative.
- Respect for Game Science’s Choices: Many players said they support the studio focusing on quality instead of rushing out DLCs.
- National Pride in Chinese Gaming: In China, the reveal has been received as a historic step in elevating local game development to worldwide prominence.
Future of the Black Myth Franchise
With Black Myth: Zhong Kui, Game Science is opening the door to countless possibilities. Will we see other mythological figures like Nezha, Erlang Shen, or Chang’e in future installments? The studio hasn’t confirmed, but the roadmap hints at a long-term expansion of the Black Myth mythos.
If successful, the Black Myth franchise could do for Chinese mythology what Assassin’s Creed did for historical narratives — creating a global fanbase eager to explore rich cultural stories through gaming.
Conclusion
Black Myth: Zhong Kui is more than just a sequel — it’s the birth of a new mythological franchise. Rooted in deeply meaningful folklore, crafted with state-of-the-art visuals, and driven by passionate creators, the game signals a new era for Chinese gaming on the global stage.
For players worldwide, this is a reason to celebrate: not only are we getting another epic, but we’re also witnessing how mythology, culture, and cutting-edge game design can merge to create legends that resonate across generations.
