“Black Myth: Wukong” Sparks Controversy with Stringent Content Creator Guidelines

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th August 2024

Game Science is embroiled in a significant controversy surrounding its upcoming game, “Black Myth: Wukong,” which has recently drawn criticism for its stringent content creator guidelines. The game, which has been highly anticipated and is being hailed by some as a potential Game of the Year contender, is facing backlash just days before its official release.

The controversy began when reports emerged about a restrictive email sent to content creators outlining what could and could not be included in reviews of the game. Although some initially dismissed these reports as unfounded rumors, Forbes’ Paul Tassi has confirmed the authenticity of the email, further fueling the debate.

The guidelines outlined in the email have been met with widespread criticism for their seemingly draconian restrictions. The “Do’s” section is succinct, simply encouraging reviewers to “enjoy the game.” In stark contrast, the “Don’t’s” section lists a series of prohibitions that many find excessive. These rules include bans on discussing politics, violence, nudity, feminist viewpoints, and fetishization, as well as avoiding content that could spark negative discourse. The guidelines also specifically instruct reviewers to steer clear of “trigger” words related to COVID-19 and quarantine, and to refrain from mentioning any aspects related to China’s game industry, policies, or news.

This set of rules has been perceived by many as an attempt to censor free speech and control the narrative surrounding the game. The reaction from the gaming community has been swift and critical, with some promising to boycott the game entirely. French YouTube channel ExServ has also shared the email, amplifying the controversy on social media platforms like Reddit.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, it has been noted that this email was not sent to journalists but rather to individuals who had requested game codes, and no Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) was required. There is speculation that the email might have been circulated by Game Science’s marketing partner, Hero Games, but there has been no confirmation from the developer on this matter.

The timing of this controversy is particularly challenging for Game Science, especially in light of previous criticisms related to sexism. The guidelines instructing content creators to avoid discussing “feminist propaganda” have further exacerbated concerns about the game’s handling of sensitive topics.

As “Black Myth: Wukong” prepares for its release, the impact of these guidelines on the game’s reception remains to be seen. With reviews starting to surface, it will be crucial to observe whether the controversy affects the overall scores and public perception of the game. The situation highlights ongoing debates about content control and the boundaries of free speech within the gaming industry.