[Last modified: October, 17 2024 01:32 AM]
Since my research focuses on the game Black Myth: Wukong and its related online communities, most of my observations were conducted online. I accessed several popular social media platforms in China to search for content related to Black Myth: Wukong, observe the types of discussions that emerged, and analyze the reactions in the comment sections.
On the video-sharing platform Bilibili I found that many content creators produce long, in-depth videos explaining the storylines, cultural context, and background of Black Myth: Wukong. These videos often feature detailed analysis of the game’s narrative and cultural elements, and the comment sections are filled with viewers engaging in discussions about the background knowledge presented. Interestingly, I also observed that reaction videos from foreign players attracted a significant number of views on Bilibili. These foreign players are often impressed or intrigued by the highly Chinese aesthetic and design elements in the game. Many Chinese fans of Black Myth: Wukong seem eager to see how foreigners react to these culturally specific scenes. To a certain extent, Chinese players view the game as a way to showcase Chinese culture, hoping that people from other countries will experience the uniqueness and artistry of Chinese culture through the game.
On another experience-sharing app, Xiaohongshu, I noticed that the influence of Black Myth: Wukong has extended beyond just the game or online platforms. Since many of the game’s scenes are modeled on real-life Chinese historical buildings, a growing number of people are now visiting these actual locations. Some local governments have even begun to produce Black Myth: Wukong-themed merchandise or organize tourism routes in collaboration with the game to attract more visitors. Users on Xiaohongshu often share comparison images of scenes from the game with their real-life counterparts and provide detailed travel tips.