Launched in 2018, PlayStation’s China Hero Project aims to provide financial backing and development support to Chinese game creators. By fostering local talent, Sony seeks to diversify its portfolio and tap into the potential of the gaming market in China. The project provides funding, mentorship, and resources to help developers navigate the complexities of game development.
So far, this initiative has seen the release of largely forgettable six titles, but the best is yet to come if you look at how well Black Myth: Wukong is selling at the moment.
While Black Myth: Wukong isn’t exclusive to the PlayStation 5, certain circumstances have led to its inavailability on the Xbox, an unfortunately common sight. The delay on Xbox has resulted in a surge in demand for PS5 in China, where Game Science is based, and the game’s lead character, Sun Wukong, is extremely popular.
Sony stands to benefit from the growing popularity of its current flagship console in China in the short term, especially with the PS5 Pro looking like the perfect platform to get the most out of Black Myth: Wukong. However, the long-term possibilities could prove far more fruitful for Sony and the China Hero Project.
Based on the official page and recent announcements, Sony has over a dozen games waiting on the wings as part of the China Hero Project. This doesn’t include other PlayStation-exclusive titles from Chinese developers, such as S-Game’s Phantom Blade Zero, which turned heads at Gamescom 2024 earlier this week.
With over 10 million copies sold in three days since launching on August 20 across the PC and PlayStation 5 ahead of the weekend, it’s easy to see how this uptick in interest in console gaming in China generated by the now-global-phenomenon title could carry over into the future. We’re already past the point of calling this a fluke. Black Myth: Wukong’s influence could create a scenario where PlayStation could become the go-to gaming platform in China.
Already, some are calling Black Myth: Wukong China’s Dragon Quest.
Dragon Quest, a massive popular JRPG franchise with over 88 million copies sold since 1986, is traditionally more beloved in Japan than elsewhere. However, unlike Japan, China has a much larger market that Sony and the rest of the gaming industry can tap into.
Based on the classic Chinese tale “Journey to the West,” Black Myth: Wukong has captivated both local and international audiences with its stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and deep roots in Chinese mythology.
Game Science has clearly poured heart and soul into creating a visually stunning and mechanically sound game that can compete with AAA titles from more established Western studios. For years, Chinese gamers have relied heavily on Western imports, but Black Myth: Wukong proves that domestic studios are more than capable of producing world-class games.
Lost Soul Aside, Project: The Perceiver, and Where Winds Meet, all coming out in the next few years, stand to reap the most out of this positive momentum. The resulting shift in perception created by Black Myth: Wukong could lead to a boom in the console side of the Chinese gaming industry, traditionally dominated by mobile games and MOBA titles.
With Black Myth: Wukong’s success leaving more Chinese developers feeling far more empowered than ever to create ambitious projects, who knows what else we can expect?
And, for Sony, it’s the time to strike while the iron is hot. The foundation is already there. Sony, via its China Hero Project, could help elevate the profile of Chinese games on a global stage even further.
For now, all that’s left is to wait and see what else Chinese video game developers have in store for the rest of the gaming industry.
If Black Myth: Wukong is any indication, we’re all in for a treat.
