Game Science's Next Mythical Adventure: Is Zhong Kui an Empty Folder or a Stealthy Masterpiece?
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Game Science, the studio behind *Black Myth: Wukong*, just announced *Black Myth: Zhong Kui*, a new action-RPG set in Chinese mythology, though the developers admit it's currently "little more than an empty folder." Jeff dives into the curious timing, the lofty developer ambitions, and the lingering questions from the studio's past PR controversies, all while maintaining his signature blend of enthusiasm and gentle skepticism.
Right, so everyone’s still buzzing about *Black Myth: Wukong*, aren't we? Been looking forward to seeing that monkey king swing into action like a digital whirlwind through a tea shop. But just as we thought we had our calendars circled, Game Science pulls a fast one, announcing *another* single-player action-RPG, *Black Myth: Zhong Kui*. Now, you might be thinking, "Bloody hell, that was quick!" And you'd be right. Especially when you hear the developers themselves casually mention it's currently 'little more than an empty folder.' Talk about a mic drop! But what does an empty folder mean for us curious gamers? Let's dive into this curious case of a game announced before it's even, well, a game.
So, who exactly is this Zhong Kui chap? Forget the cheeky monkey for a bit. This new adventure casts you as a fearsomely bearded ghost-hunting god, apparently doing the celestial rounds between hell and Earth. Sounds like a cracking premise for an action-RPG, eh? Imagine the potential for epic encounters and soul-searching quests. They even dropped a little CG short at Gamescom's Open Night Live 2025 – and let me tell you, seeing Zhong Kui riding an extravagantly sized tiger is exactly the kind of whimsical, slightly chaotic imagery my brain thrives on. Does it tell us how he fights? Not a jot, mate. But I'm guessing that tiger isn't just for show. Maybe it’s got a super-charged pounce attack or can summon spectral squirrels, who knows? The possibilities are endless when you're working with, you know, an empty folder.
Game Science, bless their cotton socks, are calling *Zhong Kui* a 'tentative first step' on their official Q&A. They want to 'build more distinct game experiences,' 'challenge ourselves with bolder features,' and 'bring fresh ideas to our world and narrative design.' It’s all very noble, very grand. And here’s the kicker: they want *Wukong* players to feel 'right at home' while simultaneously 'catching them off guard in the best way.' Now, that’s a tightrope walk if ever I saw one. How do you make someone feel perfectly comfortable *and* completely surprised at the same time? It's like asking me to prepare a familiar cup of tea that somehow tastes entirely new. My brain's already doing somersaults trying to picture it.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. As much as I love a good tease, the 'empty folder' description is ringing some tiny, slightly worried bells in my head. It's a bold move, announcing a game that, by their own admission, barely exists. No release date, no combat mechanics showcase, just a tiger and a dream. On one hand, you've gotta admire the sheer chutzpah of it. 'Here's our next big thing! It's currently a concept!' On the other, it makes you wonder about the true intention here. Is it an early heads-up, a way to gauge interest? Or is it a subtle way to keep the Game Science name in the headlines while *Wukong* finishes its development cycle? My gut – the same gut that once told me a sentient toaster would be a good idea – says it's probably a bit of both. It's an interesting strategy, one that perhaps aims to keep the hype train rolling, even if the tracks haven't been laid beyond the first station.
Now, before we get too swept away by the prospect of ghost-hunting gods and their magnificent feline companions, there’s an important footnote to consider. While many folks, myself included, have been keen on *Black Myth: Wukong* – and early reports certainly painted it as a 'refreshing adventure' in the crowded action-RPG space – Game Science hasn't exactly had the smoothest run when it comes to PR.
Cast your minds back a bit, and you might recall some... peculiar memos. These were the infamous 'gamergatory' messages sent to certain streamers, cautioning them to avoid discussing 'feminist propaganda,' 'politics,' or even the Chinese games industry itself. Now, I'm all for focusing on the games, but when companies start dictating what can and can't be discussed in relation to their product, it raises an eyebrow or three. It certainly did mine.
These rather 'draconian' missives, as some have called them, followed a lengthier report from IGN that delved into alleged workplace sexism at Game Science. When asked about these allegations by outlets during *Wukong* preview events, the developers, well, they didn't really say anything. Just a stony silence, apparently. It leaves you wondering, doesn't it? How does a studio that wants to 'challenge ourselves with bolder features' and 'bring fresh ideas' reconcile that with what appears to be a desire to control external narrative so tightly, especially on sensitive social issues? It's a tricky balance, mate. And it's the kind of thing that makes a curious gamer like me dig a little deeper, because the environment in which games are made can certainly influence the experience we eventually get.
So, where does this leave us with *Black Myth: Zhong Kui*? We’ve got a cool concept, a mythical hero on a tiger, and a dev team claiming big ambitions – all wrapped up in an 'empty folder.' It’s a curious beast, this announcement. On the one hand, it's exciting to see Game Science already looking to expand their universe beyond Wukong, showing they're thinking long-term about distinct mythological experiences. On the other, the 'empty folder' status, combined with their past PR stumbles, injects a healthy dose of skepticism into the hype.
Will *Zhong Kui* truly 'catch us off guard in the best way'? Or will it be another example of a game announced far too early, leaving us twiddling our thumbs and hoping it eventually materializes into something more than a grand vision? I'm cautiously optimistic, but my wizard's hat is firmly tilted in a questioning angle. I reckon we’ll just have to wait and see if this digital magician can pull a fully formed game out of an empty hat. But I'll be watching, mate, like a hawk eyeing a particularly shiny, unreleased gem.
Tags: Action RPG, Game Development, Gaming Industry, Black Myth, Chinese Mythology
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun