Chinese game Black Myth: Wukong has recently ignited a debate after influencers given early access were instructed not to discuss topics such as news, politics, Covid-19, or “feminist propaganda” while live-streaming the game. The game, based on the novel Journey to the West, has achieved significant success with over 10 million copies sold globally in just three days.
There has been speculation over what is meant by “feminist propaganda” in the directives, with reports of alleged sexist behavior by developers at Game Science. The company, along with co-publisher Hero Games, have been contacted for comment.
Reaction from fans has been mixed, with some linking the directive to previous reports of misconduct by Game Science employees. Others viewed it as a backlash against “wokeness” in the gaming industry and praised the restrictions.
The game has seen immense popularity, becoming one of the most viewed games on Chinese platforms and attracting over 3 million concurrent players across all platforms. Chinese media has lauded its success, praising it for showcasing Chinese culture and heritage.
In response to international media coverage of the controversy, Chinese state media has accused western outlets of using the game to attack China. The Global Times criticized the BBC for allegedly falsely accusing China of censorship.
While directives to influencers to avoid certain topics are common, the inclusion of “feminist propaganda” has raised eyebrows among some in the gaming community. The extent to which these restrictions were imposed to comply with China’s strict censorship rules remains unclear, with some speculating that they may have been implemented to appease authorities.
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