
Black Myth: Wukong CEO Reflects on GOTY Loss at The Game Awards | Image Source: www.polygon.com
BEIJING, Dec. 16, 2024 — Losing out on a major award after being nominated often comes with a show of grace: a warm smile, a clap for the winner, and silence. But for Feng Ji, CEO of Chinese developer Game Science, this wasn’t the case. Feng, also the producer of the hit game Black Myth: Wukong, openly expressed his disappointment and confusion after the title lost the Game of the Year (GOTY) award to Astro Bot at The Game Awards on Thursday. In a lengthy Weibo post, Feng shared his reflections on the night and revealed just how much the coveted award meant to him and his team.
A Night of Wins and Regrets
According to Polygon, Black Myth: Wukong was a standout at The Game Awards, receiving nominations in four major categories: Best Action Game, Best Art Direction, Best Game Direction, and Game of the Year. The game secured wins in the Best Action Game and Players’ Voice categories, marking a significant achievement for the Chinese gaming industry. Despite these victories, Feng’s tone remained reflective and tinged with disappointment as he candidly admitted his desire for the top honor.
“The four nominations were a first for a Chinese game,” Feng wrote on Weibo, where he goes by the handle Yocar. “Yet, I must admit, there’s a sense of loss and regret. More than anything, though, there’s a letting go of illusions.” Feng acknowledged the exceptional quality of the nominated titles but questioned the elusive criteria behind the GOTY decision. “Honestly, I still can’t figure out what the criteria were for Game of the Year. I feel like I came all the way here for nothing!”
The Significance of Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong is a groundbreaking title in many respects. It stands as the first Western-style, AAA console game developed in China, representing a new milestone for the country’s gaming industry. The game’s stunning visuals, immersive action, and adaptation of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West captivated global audiences and positioned Game Science as a formidable player on the international stage.
Feng’s disappointment, as noted by Polygon, likely stems from the immense ambition and effort that went into creating Black Myth: Wukong. The CEO admitted to writing a Game of the Year acceptance speech two years ago, highlighting the confidence the team held in their game’s potential. “I completely understand these feelings and share the frustration, because behind these emotions lies not pain or malice, but dignity and confidence,” Feng wrote. “When you’re so confident and yet don’t receive the recognition you expected, it’s natural to feel upset.”
Mixed Reactions to Feng’s Comments
Feng Ji’s unfiltered comments on social media have sparked a variety of reactions. Some have praised his honesty and passion, while others interpreted his remarks as bitter or arrogant. As stated by Polygon, machine translations of Feng’s Mandarin post have created a divide in perception. Some readers found the tone self-mocking and humorous, while others believed it to be ungracious.
Feng’s candid nature is nothing new. According to IGN, the Game Science CEO has previously drawn criticism for his outspoken and sometimes controversial social media posts. Last year, IGN reported allegations of a culture of sexism surrounding the development of Black Myth: Wukong, including examples of inappropriate language used by Feng online. These incidents have occasionally overshadowed Game Science’s achievements and drawn scrutiny to the company’s leadership.
Audience Reactions and Community Frustration
While Feng’s response to the GOTY loss may have been polarizing, it resonated with many fans of Black Myth: Wukong. As per Feng’s Weibo post, many players expressed their frustration through comments that were both humorous and ironic, reflecting a mix of disappointment and pride. “Since last night, I’ve seen a lot of strong dissatisfaction and frustration in players’ comments — often expressed humorously or ironically, which made me laugh,” Feng shared.
The community’s reaction underscores the growing confidence and expectations among Chinese gamers. For many, Black Myth: Wukong represents not just a game but a symbol of China’s potential to compete in the global gaming market. The game’s success at The Game Awards, despite falling short of the GOTY prize, signals a shift in perceptions about Chinese game development.
A New Chapter for Chinese Gaming
Despite Feng Ji’s disappointment, Black Myth: Wukong remains a significant achievement for Game Science and the broader Chinese gaming industry. Its presence at The Game Awards marks a turning point, showcasing China’s ability to produce games that resonate with global audiences and meet the standards of AAA development.
Feng’s reflections, while raw and unfiltered, highlight the passion and ambition driving Game Science. As noted by Polygon, the game’s success in categories like Best Action Game and Players’ Voice is no small feat. It reflects the game’s widespread popularity and the hard work of its developers, even if the ultimate recognition of Game of the Year eluded them.
For Feng Ji and his team, the night at The Game Awards may have ended with mixed emotions, but it also signals the beginning of a new era. The journey of Black Myth: Wukong is far from over, and the game’s success has set the stage for future projects that could further elevate Chinese game development on the world stage.
In the end, Feng’s honesty — however controversial — serves as a reminder of the human side of game development. Behind every nomination and award lies years of hard work, ambition, and the hope for recognition. As stated by Polygon, Feng’s willingness to share his feelings, whether humorous or bitter, adds a layer of transparency to an industry often cloaked in polished statements and rehearsed acceptance speeches.
While Astro Bot claimed the GOTY title, Black Myth: Wukong has already cemented its place in history as a game that pushed boundaries and redefined expectations. For Game Science, this moment is not an end but a stepping stone toward even greater achievements.