'Black Myth: Wukong' wins Golden Joystick Awards

China's first AAA video game, “Black Myth: Wukong,” emerged as the star at one of the oldest and most prestigious video game awards this year.

Based on a Chinese literary classic, the video game phenomenon triumphed over formidable competitors, securing the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year award as well as the accolade for Best Visual Design at the 42nd Golden Joystick Awards held in London on Thursday.

'Black Myth: Wukong' claims the biggest award of the night at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards. File Photo

The awards, established in 1983, reflect industry trends and celebrate achievements in gaming, with millions of gamers worldwide participating in the voting process.

This year, over 12 million public votes were cast for over 125 games, studios, hardware and TV shows in 21 different categories including Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Storytelling, Most Wanted, Studio of the Year and Best Indie Game. Only three awards — Critics’ Choice, Breakthrough Award, and Streamers’ Choice — were decided by critics. The Chinese game beat top contenders such as “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” “Astro Bot,” “Silent Hill 2,” and indie games “Balatro” and “Animal Well” to win the top honor.

“Black Myth: Wukong,” the first video game created by Shenzhen-based Game Science after two mobile games, is an action role-playing game inspired by Chinese mythology and the classic 16th-century novel “Journey to the West.” Rich in traditional Chinese cultural elements, it offers a unique, immersive experience. Players take on the role of the Destined One as they embark on his epic westward journey.

Released worldwide Aug. 20, the game sold about 20 million units in the first month, making it one of the fastest-selling games of all time.

It has also been nominated in four categories — Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Action Game and Best Art Direction for The Game Awards, to be announced Dec. 12 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the United States.