Hit Chinese video game seeks to curb ‘negative discourse’

A woman stands next to a cardboard cutout of the ‘Monkey King’ character, or ‘Sun Wukong’, of the Chinese action role-playing game ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ during its launch day in Beijing on Aug 20, 2024. Before its debut, a company affiliated with the game’s China-based developer rankled some influential overseas players with a list of topics to avoid discussing while livestreaming the game. — AFP

Black Myth: Wukong is one of the most highly anticipated Chinese video games ever, a premium title with a blockbuster-worthy budget that underscores the country’s push to become a global cultural power.

But before its debut Aug 20, a company affiliated with the game’s China-based developer rankled some influential overseas players with a list of topics to avoid discussing while livestreaming the game.