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

The new Black Myth: Zhong Kui trailer has left a lot of players wondering what’s really going on. Where does this leave Wukong, and what’s Game Science planning next? After the massive success of Black Myth: Wukong, most expected DLC or a quick follow-up. Instead, the studio is moving in a different direction, choosing to tell the story of Zhong Kui, one of the most iconic demon-slayers in Chinese mythology.

How It Started Over Hot Pot

The project began in the most unexpected way. Yang Qi, Game Science’s art director, was out having hot pot with a longtime colleague, Wayi, when he shared a dream he’d recently had. In it, he saw a black-faced, red-bearded man holding a tiger. Later research showed that Ming Dynasty paintings often depict Zhong Kui in exactly that way.

That conversation snowballed into a CGI clip, which eventually became the foundation for this new game. In other words, Zhong Kui wasn’t part of the original roadmap, but the idea struck a chord with the team, and they followed it.

Why Not Stick With Wukong?

Game Science addressed this in a letter from co-founder Feng Ji. After Wukong’s release, the studio was flooded with questions about DLC. Feng admitted he felt an odd mix of relief, emptiness, and anxiety despite the game’s overwhelming success. The team initially drafted DLC concepts, but when Yang Qi suggested a fresh start, Feng agreed without hesitation.

The decision boiled down to this: DLC would have been safe and fast, but the team wanted to experiment, build something new, and keep the creative spark alive. They’ve made it clear that Wukong’s story isn’t over. It will return later, but only when they feel ready to deliver something complete and polished.

Who Is Zhong Kui?

Zhong Kui is a legendary figure in Chinese folklore known as the Ghost Catcher or Demon Slayer. He’s usually shown as a fierce, bearded man who protects people by hunting down evil spirits.

The most famous version of his story comes from the Tang Dynasty. Zhong Kui was a brilliant scholar who consistently topped the imperial exams, but due to his appearance, corrupt officials denied him his rightful title. Crushed by the injustice, he took his own life at the palace gates.

Moved by his sense of justice, the Jade Emperor gave him divine powers and appointed him as "King of Ghosts". From then on, Zhong Kui became a protector of the living, responsible for warding off malevolent spirits.

What makes Chinese mythology different from Western tradition is that gods aren’t always born divine. Heroes who live with integrity or endure great injustice, like Zhong Kui, can be elevated after death and assigned specific duties. These deities feel connected to everyday life—people pray to them during festivals or keep their images at home for protection.

What This Means for the Black Myth Series

By choosing Zhong Kui, Game Science is expanding the Black Myth universe instead of rushing to extend Wukong’s arc. This shift opens up darker, more supernatural territory while still staying rooted in Chinese myth. It’s not the end of Wukong—his story will return—but it’s also a chance to explore new legends that fit naturally alongside him.

For fans, the takeaway is simple:

• Wukong’s DLC is paused, but not cancelled.
• Zhong Kui is the next step, bringing new gameplay, characters, and mythological depth.

As Feng Ji put it,

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

Final Thoughts

Game Science could have taken the easier path with DLC, but instead chose to build something entirely new. That decision mirrors Zhong Kui’s own story—born out of injustice, transformed into something greater.

If Wukong showed how Chinese mythology could captivate a global audience, Zhong Kui proves the studio isn’t afraid to take risks. The Black Myth series isn’t just about one hero anymore. It’s about building a living universe where China’s legendary figures come to life in ways modern games have never tried before.

Check out the official trailer: