Black Myth: Wukong” to GameFi: When Will We Obtain the True Scriptures?
In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, a Chinese indie game has taken the world by storm. “Black Myth: Wukong,” developed by Game Science, a studio of merely 30 people, has achieved what many thought impossible. With over 10 million sales in just three days and a peak of 2.35 million concurrent players on Steam, it has become a phenomenon that rivals the excitement of China reaching the World Cup semi-finals.
This unprecedented success story isn’t just a triumph for Game Science; it’s a beacon of hope and a source of reflection for the entire gaming industry, particularly the emerging GameFi sector. As we marvel at the journey of “Black Myth: Wukong,” it’s crucial to examine what lessons GameFi can learn from this success and ponder: When will GameFi obtain its true scriptures?
The 81 Trials of Game Science
The story of Game Science and its founder, Feng Ji, is one of perseverance, passion, and unwavering dedication to the craft of game development. It’s a tale that began in 2009 with a game called “Douzhanshen” (God of War), which, despite its initial success, ultimately fell victim to the harsh realities of the gaming industry.
Feng Ji, then under 30, was tasked with creating an MMORPG for Tencent using the AGE engine. The game started strong, with impressive CG and meticulously crafted levels. However, Feng’s vision was more aligned with creating a standalone game rather than a typical online game. This mismatch led to a content shortage and eventually, the game’s downfall as it succumbed to the pressures of maintaining player engagement through repetitive gameplay mechanics and aggressive monetization.
This experience could have been the end of Feng’s journey. Instead, it became the catalyst for a 14-year odyssey that would culminate in the creation of “Black Myth: Wukong.” The parallel to the 14-year journey of Tang Monk in “Journey to the West” is not lost on those familiar with Chinese literature.
The Golden Hoops of GameFi
As we turn our gaze to GameFi, we see a sector grappling with its own set of challenges. Many in the GameFi space are fixated on perfecting tokenomics, finding the right game format, or simplifying blockchain integration. However, they often overlook the most crucial element: the game itself.
The premise of successful financialization in gaming is simple: players must be willing to pay. This willingness stems from emotional engagement, passion, and a sense of accomplishment — not from the promise of financial gain. Traditional games have long understood this, with players spending substantial sums on cosmetic items that offer no in-game advantages.
GameFi, in its current state, often puts the cart before the horse. Projects frequently prioritize complex economic models over gameplay, resulting in experiences that feel more like “digital mines” than engaging games. The obsession with “mine rules” — intricate tokenomic systems designed to balance in-game economies — often overshadows the fundamental need for fun and engaging gameplay.
The 3A Dilemma
The post-P2E era has seen GameFi split into two main directions: 3A-level blockchain games focusing on playability, and On-Chain Games emphasizing fairness and autonomy. While the ambition to create 3A blockchain games is admirable, it may not be the most suitable path for the current state of the industry.
3A games represent the pinnacle of the gaming industry, requiring enormous investments of money, resources, and time. The blockchain world, with its bottom-up ethos, seems inherently at odds with this top-down, resource-intensive approach. The current method of funding these projects through pre-sale NFTs puts the financial risk squarely on retail investors and VCs, rather than the developers themselves.
Moreover, the player base required to sustain a 3A game’s economy is currently beyond the reach of most blockchain projects. With Web3 player numbers dropping significantly in recent years, the dream of a self-sustaining 3A blockchain game remains elusive.
The Full-Chain Conundrum
On the other end of the spectrum, we have full-chain games or “autonomous worlds.” While these projects align well with the principles of decentralization, they face significant challenges in terms of gameplay and user experience. The emphasis on fairness and permanence often comes at the cost of fun and accessibility.
Full-chain games, in their current form, cater to a niche audience of blockchain enthusiasts rather than mainstream gamers. The concept, while promising, may be ahead of its time and require further technological advancements to become viable for a broader audience.
A New Path Forward
So, where does this leave GameFi? Perhaps the answer lies not in mimicking the AAA industry or in pushing for full decentralization, but in embracing the spirit of indie game development that led to the success of “Black Myth: Wukong.”
Blockchain technology offers a unique opportunity to support independent game developers through decentralized crowdfunding. By leveraging the strengths of blockchain — transparency, community engagement, and fractional ownership — we could create a new ecosystem that nurtures creativity and innovation in gaming.
Imagine a platform where game developers can showcase their demos, attract supporters, and secure funding through tiered NFTs. These NFTs could offer various benefits, from simple game access to revenue sharing, depending on the level of support. The community could actively participate in the development process, voting on fund releases and contributing ideas.
This approach aligns with the bottom-up nature of blockchain while addressing the genuine needs of game developers and players alike. It could foster a new generation of games that are innovative, player-focused, and financially sustainable.
Lessons from the Monkey King
As we contemplate the future of GameFi, we would do well to heed the words of Feng Ji, shared just two months before the launch of “Black Myth: Wukong”:
“Try it, it won’t kill you.”
This simple yet powerful philosophy encapsulates the spirit that GameFi needs to embrace. It’s about daring to venture into uncharted territory, facing uncertainty with courage, and always asking the crucial question: Are we creating something that we, as users, understand, recognize, and love?
The journey of “Black Myth: Wukong” teaches us that true innovation often comes from those who are willing to dance in uninhabited areas, embracing the fear and anxiety that come with uncertainty. For GameFi, this might mean:
- Prioritizing gameplay and user experience over complex tokenomics.
- Embracing iterative development and community feedback.
- Focusing on creating emotional connections with players rather than promises of financial gain.
- Supporting and nurturing indie developers who bring fresh perspectives to the space.
- Utilizing blockchain technology to enhance games, not define them.
Conclusion: The Path to the True Scriptures
The success of “Black Myth: Wukong” serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to the GameFi sector. It demonstrates that with passion, perseverance, and a focus on creating genuinely engaging experiences, it’s possible to achieve remarkable success, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
For GameFi to obtain its true scriptures, it must learn to balance the innovative potential of blockchain technology with the timeless principles of great game design. It needs to foster an environment where creativity flourishes, where developers are empowered to take risks, and where the focus remains firmly on creating experiences that players love.
The path forward may be long and fraught with challenges, much like the journey of Tang Monk or the 14-year development of “Black Myth: Wukong.” But if GameFi can embrace this spirit of perseverance and innovation, it too may one day emerge with its own miraculous creation — a game that not only leverages the power of blockchain but also captures the hearts and imaginations of players worldwide.
As we stand at this crossroads, let us remember the lessons of those who have gone before us. Let us dare to try, to innovate, and to create. For in doing so, we may just find that the true scriptures of GameFi have been within our reach all along, waiting for us to have the courage to grasp them.
