Summary
- Some content creators received free Steam keys for Black Myth: Wukong with unusual restrictions on content topics like feminist propaganda and COVID-19.
- Despite the controversial rules, critics have given Black Myth: Wukong a generally positive reception, with an average score of 82 on OpenCritic.
- While the game is currently only available for PS5 and PC, there is no set release date for Xbox due to delays addressed by Microsoft in June.
Some content creators have recently received an email from the Black Myth: Wukong marketing team with a free Steam key, and advice to avoid including “feminist propaganda,” mentions of the COVID-19 pandemic, or content related to China in their pieces. Since its announcement in 2020, Black Myth: Wukong has been eagerly awaited by many gamers, and these restrictions have puzzled some creators.
Developed by Game Science, Black Myth: Wukong releases on August 19, and the marketing team behind the game seems to be working hard to spread the word about it as much as possible. Aside from the critics who received early copies of the game, the marketing team seems to be sending emails with Black Myth: Wukong Steam keys to multiple content creators so they can cover the game during its release.
Black Myth: Wukong - Burning Questions Answered
Prepare for Game Science's action-RPG Black Myth: Wukong with this list of burning questions.
Some of these content creators have noticed a weird detail in these emails, however, as spotted by IGN. The email comes with a link to a Google document that outlines some “Do’s and Don’ts” for creators, and some of the rules are controversial. While some “Don’ts” include common sense rules like not insulting players, using offensive language, or including nudity in streams, others are unusual. For instance, creators should not include “feminist propaganda” in their videos, and avoid using “trigger words” like “COVID-19,” “isolation,” and “quarantine.” Also, they should not discuss China’s game industry’s policies or related content.
What are the Restrictions Enforced on Streamers Covering Black Myth: Wukong at Launch?
- Do NOT insult other influencers or players.
- Do NOT use any offensive language/humor.
- Do NOT include politics, violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishization, and other content that instigates negative discourse.
- Do NOT use trigger words such as "quarantine" or "isolation" or "COVID-19."
- Do NOT discuss content related to China's game industry policies, opinions, news, etc.
While weird agreements to access unreleased games are not something new in the gaming industry, the content of these emails is certainly unusual. At the moment, it’s unclear why the marketing team decided to set these rules, though. Also, creators do not need to sign a non-disclosure agreement to gain the keys, so they do not seem to be legally obliged to follow these rules.
Controversies aside, Black Myth: Wukong had a generally positive reception from critics. While some Black Myth: Wukong reviews are not as hyped about the game as others, the new title currently has an average score of 82 on OpenCritic.
Right now, the game is only available for PS5 and PC, and no release date is set for Xbox. Back in June, Microsoft addressed Black Myth: Wukong’s Xbox delay. In a statement provided by Microsoft, it was revealed that the console manufacturer was working with Game Science to bring the game to Xbox. However, Microsoft was unable to comment on other deals that the devs could have with platforms such as PlayStation.
Black Myth: Wukong
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 80%
- Released
- August 20, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Game Science
- Publisher(s)
- Game Science
WHERE TO PLAY
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology and based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.
You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.
As the Destined One, you shall encounter powerful foes and worthy rivals throughout your journey. Fearlessly engage them in epic battles where surrender is not an option.
Aside from mastering various staff techniques, you can also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find the winning strategy that best suits your combat style.
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
