Black Myth: Wukong triumphs in the hearts of fans, but not as Game of the Year 2024. After the award ceremony, CEO and Game Director Feng Ji now shares his statement: He remains puzzled about the criteria for Game of the Year and feels as if he “has traveled here for nothing.”
How did the game perform at the Game Awards 2024? Since its release, Black Myth: Wukong has captured many players with its graphics, combat, and narrative focusing on Chinese mythology. For these reasons, the ARPG won the Player’s Voice Award at this year’s Game Awards as the best action game.
In addition to these categories, the game was also nominated for Game of the Year 2024, where it had to compete against games like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Ultimately, the platformer Astro Bot became the new titleholder and Black Myth: Wukong had to be content with the other two awards. Now, Game Director Feng Ji has spoken with a statement that has already been translated many times .
Here you can see the trailer of the game:
Two victories, but an important defeat
What does the Game Director say about the defeat? Feng Ji expressed his disappointment in a statement where he thanks the fans for their support and praises the other nominees. However, he also notes that he feels somewhat puzzled:
However, I must admit that there is a certain feeling of defeat and disappointment, even though I feel primarily liberated from expectations. The games nominated this year are extraordinary, but to be honest, I do not understand the criteria for selecting the game of the year. I have come here for nothing!
Feng Ji, CEO of Game Science via Weibo
Feng Ji acknowledges the fans’ dissatisfaction despite humor and satire and expresses understanding. He explains that the feeling of dissatisfaction does not stem from malice but rather from unrecognized pride and self-esteem. And he himself has been (according to his own statement) particularly confident. He reports that he had prepared a thank-you speech two years ago, which he ultimately could not use.
What impact does the game have on the future of Chinese game development? Feng Ji describes the success of Black Myth: Wukong, which the game has nonetheless experienced, not as mere luck, but as a result of Chinese culture, Chinese talent, the Chinese game industry, and the worldwide support of players.
Moreover, he believes that there will be more like-minded individuals in the future to bring better, more interesting, and more confident Chinese stories to the world.
What does he learn from the situation? Despite disappointment and dissatisfaction, it seems that Feng Ji is taking an important life lesson from the situation for himself:
It is about the mentality of facing difficulties; difficulties and failures are not that terrible and do not easily defeat you. A life that can deal calmly with inevitable difficulties will also be a more down-to-earth life.
Feng Ji via Weibo
This year’s Game Awards have already offered a small preview of what games you can expect in the future! Those who want to learn more about the highlights of the Game Awards 2024 can find further information here regarding the released trailers and other announcements: The highlights of the Game Awards 2024: 12 trailers and announcements you should not miss
