Black Myth: Zhong Kui – Why Game Science Is Shifting Focus Beyond Wukong

A new Black Myth: Zhong Kui trailer has left many players baffled as to what the hell is going on. So what does this mean for Wukong, and what’s Game Science planning next? After the overwhelming success of Black Myth: Wukong, many thought they’d either release DLC or expedite a sequel. Instead, the studio is opting for something a little different, with its newly announced film Zhong Kui and The Case of Mysterious Snow Beast: The Battle of Gods Fengshen Chapter.

How It Started Over Hot Pot

The work started in the least expected of ways. Yang Qi, Game Science’s art director, was at hot pot with an old work buddy, Wayi, when he told her about a dream he’d had. And within its shades he beheld a black-faced, red-bearded man who held a tiger. It was later discovered that paintings of Ming dynasty are always depiction Zhong Kui in this way.

That chat rolled into a CGI clip, which finally evolved into the basis of this new game. In more direct terms: adding Zhong Kui wasn’t on the original roadmap, but tossing it out to the team as an idea hit a home run.

Why Not Stick With Wukong?

Game Science clarified that in a letter written by co-founder Feng Ji. Once Wukong had been released, the studio was inundated with requests for more on DLC. Even as the game’s runaway success dawned on Feng, he conceded to feeling a strange combination of relief, emptiness and anxiety. The team had some basic ideas for a DLC first, but Feng promptly gave the green light to Yang Qi's proposal.

The choice came down to this: DLC would’ve been safe and quick work, but the team wanted to take a risk, create something new and keep that artistic energy flowing. They’ve indicated that Wukong’s tale is not quite done. It’s coming back later, but only when they can serve something finished and polished.

Who Is Zhong Kui?

Zhong Kui is the national legendary figure of Chinese folklore Ghost Catcher or Demon Slayer. He’s often depicted as a serious, bearded figure who saves people by capturing evil spirits.

His best known story comes from the Tang Dynasty. Zhong Kui was a man of remarkable intelligence who won top honours in the imperial exams; however, corrupt officials would not grant him his well-deserved title because they found his face unpleasant. Crushed by the abuse of justice, he killed himself at the gates of the palace.

Impressed by his sense of justice, the Jade Emperor rewarded him with divine powers and installed him as "King of Ghosts". After that, Zhong Kui started protecting the lives of the living and expelling evil spirits.

Instead, what distinguishes Chinese mythology from Western tradition is that gods are not always born divine. Such heroes can after death be promoted and appointed to distinctive duties, like that of Zhong Kui. These are deities who feel enmeshed in daily life — people pray to them during festivals, keep their images at home for safeguarding.

What This Means for the Black Myth Series

In selecting Zhong Kui, Game Science has opted to expand the Black Myth universe rather than race to complete the Wukong arc. This move opens darker, more supernatural prompts while maintaining the grounding in Chinese myth. It’s not the end for Wukong — his tale will return — but this is also an opportunity to introduce exciting new stories that slot smoothly alongside him.

For fans, the message is clear:

• Wukong DLC is on hold but not canceled.
• The answer is Zhong Kui, introducing new gameplay characters and mythos.

As Feng Ji put it,

“Without the unknown, there can be no surprises. Without challenges, there can be no fun.”

Final Thoughts

Game Science might have gone the easier route with DLC, but opted to create something completely new. That choice echoes Zhong Kui’s own story — the product of an unfairness, turned into something more.

If Wukong demonstrated how an adaptation of Chinese mythology could attract even a global audience, then Zhong Kui is evidence that the studio isn’t afraid to take chances. The Black Myth series is no longer just about a single hero. It’s about creating a living universe where China’s mythic heroes walk, fight and love in a way modern games have never attempted.

Check out the official trailer: