Intercultural Communication in the Video Game Black Myth: Wukong: Player Reception of Chinese Cultural Elements by non-Chinese Players

Since the video game Black Myth Wukong (BMW) has come out, players all over the world have had the chance to come into contact with Chinese myths through their screens. The game has won many awards, such as the Best Action Game Award from The Game Awards, and The Ultimate Game Award at the Golden Joystick Awards. It is often referred to as China’s newest way of disseminating the nation’s culture globally. Many academic works have explored the economic side of the game, like its market share and triple A revenue generated not only domestically, but also outside of China’s borders. Other works delve into the cultural aspects visible in the game, such as the graphics, audio and narrative inspiration, linking it to Journey to the West. A recurring theme is the dissemination of Chinese culture in and through the game. Little to no research, however, focusses on the players’ experience of receiving this disseminated culture. Comments or reviews dealing with the game in general are...Show moreSince the video game Black Myth Wukong (BMW) has come out, players all over the world have had the chance to come into contact with Chinese myths through their screens. The game has won many awards, such as the Best Action Game Award from The Game Awards, and The Ultimate Game Award at the Golden Joystick Awards. It is often referred to as China’s newest way of disseminating the nation’s culture globally. Many academic works have explored the economic side of the game, like its market share and triple A revenue generated not only domestically, but also outside of China’s borders. Other works delve into the cultural aspects visible in the game, such as the graphics, audio and narrative inspiration, linking it to Journey to the West. A recurring theme is the dissemination of Chinese culture in and through the game. Little to no research, however, focusses on the players’ experience of receiving this disseminated culture. Comments or reviews dealing with the game in general are analysed in previous academic research, but there is a lack of research using primary sources. This master’s degree thesis zooms in on this exact research gap by combining survey data and interviews with players from various cultural backgrounds to research the extent and degree of interpretation and understanding of Chinese culture as presented by BMW.Show less

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Intercultural Communication in the Video Game Black Myth: Wukong: Player Reception of Chinese Cultural Elements by non-Chinese Players