With just a few days to go before Gamescom 2023 Opening Night Live, Geoff Keighley just set the stage for what many predict could be next year’s potential breakout hit, Black Myth: Wukong.
The action-packed title from the burgeoning Chinese-based Game Science studio is gearing up to steal the spotlight in Germany, with Keighley promising a “world premiere” glimpse into the game.
Given the rich tapestry of Black Myth: Wukong’s narrative – drawing from the timeless Chinese folklore, Journey to the West – and its portrayal of Sun Wukong, dubbed “The Destined One”, the stakes are sky-high. This showcase comes on the heels of a tantalizing eight-minute gameplay teaser from last year, which only deepened fans’ anticipation.
Watch @gamescom: Opening Night Live for a world premiere new look at BLACK MYTH WUKONG on Tuesday, August 22.
Streaming live everywhere at 8p CEST/7p BST/2p ET/11am PT at https://t.co/AFycLZGHNd pic.twitter.com/jzTdTXna96
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) August 11, 2023
It’s hard to believe that what began as a talent attraction strategy for the small studio transformed into a viral hit. The internet was a fan almost immediately after the game’s inaugural trailer dropped in 2020, captivating audiences with its breathtaking graphics and tantalizing Soulslike gameplay. Now, two years post its introduction, the title seems ripe for a headlining position at Geoff Keighley’s Opening Night Live, an event known for its thrilling announcements and global premieres.
Moreover, Gamescom attendees are in for an added treat, with rumors from Insider Gaming’s sources suggesting that dozens of dedicated machines will offer an immersive playable experience of the game. And for global fans who can’t be there in person, Gamescom’s YouTube channel promises a virtual front-row seat to all the action.
Black Myth: Wukong, sculpted in the majestic Unreal Engine 5, doesn’t just impress with its tantalizing 4K graphics. It’s the lovechild of a trio of developers that has more to it than its glossy veneer. Whisperings about the studio’s use of a revolutionary animal motion capture technique being employed by the studio have stirred quite a buzz. However, the developer’s journey through this uncharted territory has not been without its hurdles – both on the tech front and the moral compass that mandates ethical treatment of all animals involved.
It’s a testament to Game Science’s tenacious spirit that despite the numerous setbacks and bouts in development limbo, they’ve persisted, holding fast to their core philosophies that marry diligent game development with the simple pleasures of life.
There’s even chatter about a public demo in China slated for August 20, barely two days before the game’s next reveal. Mind you, this fervent anticipation isn’t baseless; many recall the game’s initial trailer showcasing a visceral combat scene between Wukong and a formidable dragon, which despite its frame rate hiccups, had rendered audiences spellbound.
While the official launch platforms remain under wraps, there’s speculation that it could be out before next year ends, presumably during the holiday season.
For now, fans have no choice but to wait to find out if this ambitious endeavor can surpass fan expectations.
And, just in case you think that Black Myth: Wukong looks like you’ve seen it before, many mistake it for Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, which came out earlier this year.
