China's highly anticipated AAA game, Black Myth: Wukong, has made waves in the gaming industry by breaking the concurrent player records on Steam. Surpassing Cyberpunk 2077, the single-player title has also secured the second position for the most all-time concurrent players, including multiplayer. Based on the classic novel Journey to the West, this souls-like action-adventure game has reached a peak of 2,223,179 players.

According to industry analyst Simon Carless of GameDiscoverCo, Black Myth: Wukong's player base heavily favors its home country, China, with an overwhelming 88 percent of players hailing from there. The United States ranked a distant second, with a mere three percent. While these numbers have raised suspicions of potential inflation, it should be noted that the game launched in the middle of the night in the western hemisphere, possibly impacting the distribution of players. Carless' statistics were posted in the early hours of the morning, creating a skewed perception of regional breakdown.

Amidst its record-breaking success, Black Myth: Wukong finds itself embroiled in controversy due to accusations of misogyny and censorship leveled against its developer, Game Science. Early access keys were provided to streamers, accompanied by a document outlining a list of banned topics to be avoided during gameplay broadcasts. These topics included politics, "feminist propaganda," COVID-19, and discussions on China's gaming industry, among others. However, it is important to note that reviewers were not subjected to the same restrictions.

The accusations of misogyny are not unfounded, as evidence points to instances of such behavior within Game Science. Recruitment posters from 2015 depicted inappropriate office perks and derogatory imagery. The developers' alleged behavior and attitudes have been a cause for concern among critics and players alike.

Game Science's ties to the Chinese government further complicate matters. China has faced accusations of misogyny and censorship, with topics like the #MeToo movement being censored or blocked on social platforms. Feminist and LGBTQ+ voices are routinely silenced, and feminist perspectives face restrictions in academic institutions. Activists often face harassment, surveillance, and arrests. The involvement of Tencent Holdings, with direct ties to the government, further raises questions about the game's background.

Black Myth: Wukong's publisher, Zhejiang Publishing & Media, is majority-owned by the Zhejiang provincial government. Additionally, Hero Games, the company responsible for distributing streamer keys on Game Science's behalf, has financial connections to several state-owned enterprises. These factors contribute to the concerns surrounding the game's development and the potential influence on its content.

Some streamers, uncomfortable with the imposed restrictions, have chosen not to cover Black Myth: Wukong. French streamer Benoit Reinier expressed his disappointment with the censorship requirements, viewing it as a document requiring self-censorship.

Despite the controversies surrounding it, Black Myth: Wukong has garnered attention for its visually stunning graphics and captivating gameplay. With a visually pleasing environment, unique monster designs, and an atmospheric soundtrack, the game has created a buzz among players.

Black Myth: Wukong is available now on PC and PS5, providing players with an action-packed adventure rooted in Chinese mythology. As the player records continue to grow, the game's success shines a spotlight on the ongoing discussions surrounding censorship and misogyny within the gaming industry.