Black Myth Zhong Kui Wiki

Black Myth Zhong Kui is a single-player action role-playing game based on Chinese mythology, developed by Game Science, the creators of the 2024 blockbuster Black Myth: Wukong, using Unreal Engine. As the second title in the Black Myth series, it draws inspiration from the legendary Chinese folk figure Zhong Kui. On August 20, 2025, Game Science released the first CG trailer for Black Myth Zhong Kui, announcing that development has officially begun. Details about gameplay, story, and release date are yet to be confirmed.

Development Background

On August 20, 2024, Black Myth: Wukong was released, generating over $1.1 billion (approximately 8 billion RMB) in revenue within 100 days and gaining a massive global fanbase. The game was nominated for Best Game at TGA 2024, often called the "Oscars of gaming," during its 10th anniversary ceremony. With its success, anticipation for a sequel grew, but Game Science introduced Zhong Kui instead. Fans expressed mixed feelings, expecting a direct sequel. According to Game Science, the story of the Destined One (Wukong) has concluded, and the team aimed to explore a distinct gaming experience with fresh world-building and storytelling. Zhong Kui was a natural choice. Development is in its early stages, with Game Science noting that the project is "little more than an empty folder." Founder and CEO Feng Ji explained that after Wukong’s release, the team felt uncertain and opted to create a new title with a new hero, gameplay, visuals, technology, and story, rather than a DLC. Business records show Game Science, affiliated with Shenzhen Youke Interactive Technology Co., Ltd., founded in June 2014 by Feng Ji, has registered trademarks for Black Myth: Xiaoqian, Black Myth: Zhong Kui, and Black Myth: Jiang Ziya.

Development History

The concept for Black Myth Zhong Kui originated from a dream by art director Yang Qi, featuring Zhong Kui riding a tiger. After discussions, the team pursued this story, resulting in the CG teaser trailer. While Zhong Kui riding a tiger is not traditional, Yang Qi found similar imagery in Ming Dynasty paintings. On August 20, 2025, the first CG teaser was unveiled at Gamescom 2025 Opening Night Live, alongside the game’s official website. The website confirms the game as a single-player action RPG with a business model identical to its predecessor, though development is in its infancy. Game Science expressed confidence in delivering fresh changes while addressing past shortcomings, stating, “The Journey to the West universe will not end here.” Feng Ji emphasized the team’s desire to innovate with a new hero, gameplay, visuals, technology, and story.

Historical Records

Zhong Kui, often associated with Zhongnan Mountain, appears in texts like Tang Yishi (“Zhong Kui, a scholar of Zhongnan Mountain”) and the Song Dynasty’s Shiwu Jiyuan (“Zhong Kui was a scholar from Zhongnan”). According to Zhong Kui Zhuanlüe, Zhong Kui, born in Yongzhou, Zhongnan, was a talented scholar and martial artist with a distinctive appearance—leopard-like head, round eyes, iron face, and curly beard. Upright and fearless, he failed the imperial exams due to his appearance, protested, and died by crashing into a palace pillar. The emperor honored him with a grand burial and a posthumous scholar title. Zhong Kui later appeared in a dream to Emperor Tang Xuanzong, curing his illness by expelling a demon, earning the title “Blessed Saint of Exorcism and Protection.” A painting by Wu Daozi was commissioned to ward off evil, spreading his fame. Similar accounts in Lidai Shenxian Tongjian describe Zhong Kui as a brilliant scholar rejected for his looks, who died tragically and later saved the emperor in a dream.

Formation and Development of Zhong Kui Worship

Emperor Xuanzong’s endorsement established Zhong Kui as a god of exorcism. Tang emperors gifted Zhong Kui portraits as New Year’s gifts, as seen in works by Zhang Shuo and Liu Yuxi. A Tang Dynasty manuscript, Zhong Kui’s Exorcism Ritual for New Year’s Eve, found in Dunhuang, confirms his role in exorcism ceremonies. To ward off the Nian beast, people hung Zhong Kui’s images on doors, alongside Shentu, Yulei, Qin Qiong, and Jingde, and used firecrackers and red lanterns—a tradition from the Tang Dynasty. Daoism revered him as a judge of ghosts and “Blessed Saint of Exorcism and Protection.” His image was used in homes and rituals like Zhong Kui dances for blessings and protection, a practice that continues today. Zhong Kui became a folk deity, serving as a door god, household guardian, and exorcism general. His image even appeared in Bencao Gangmu, used in medicinal remedies for difficult births and malaria.

Current Status of Zhong Kui Worship

Zhong Kui worship is strong in Zhouzhi, Shaanxi (his legendary hometown), Jianghuai, Minnan, and Taiwan. His images and rituals appear during events like the Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and various ceremonies. Performers dressed as Zhong Kui, wearing masks and wielding bats or swords, participate in Nuo dances or puppet shows for blessings and protection. His worship extends to Chinese communities globally, particularly in Southeast Asia. In Japan, Zhong Kui shrines, straw effigies, roof tiles, dances, flags, and children’s room decorations are common, and a Japanese aircraft was named after him.