Gamers who have been sucked into the mythical world of Black Myth: Wukong and cannot get enough of Chinese folklore-based games, we bring good news. Game Science, the outfit behind the sensational AAA title that emerged from China, Black Myth: Wukong, has just unveiled the next installment in the Black Myth franchise. It’s Zhong Kui.
Zhong Kui is, you guessed it, yet another deity. Legend has it that he emerged sometime in the Tang Dynasty. His story is kind of a bitter-sweet one. Zhong Kui was a well-read scholar who passed the Royal exam, but he was dropped from the list of scholars when the authorities saw how hideous he was. In response to the unfairness, he chose death.
After his passing, the deities learned of his misfortune and, knowing that he was a righteous, kind-hearted person, recruited him to serve in the afterlife. He was mainly in the realm of hell as a judge, but he was also known to roam the mortal world, catching errant ghosts and wandering spirits that created havoc among the living.
Zhong Kui is usually depicted in a red court dress—a Tang Dynasty official’s attire—along with an official’s black hat. He is often portrayed with a menacing expression that scares the hell out of both the living and the dead. Sometimes he is shown brandishing an evil-exorcising sword, a scroll, or a Chinese fan, and occasionally riding an animal like a tiger. Sounds intriguing? It sure is. Some Chinese communities even worship Zhong Kui as a deity in temples.
Anyhoo, before you get overly excited, the announcement trailer dropped at Gamescom 2025 is purely CG to showcase what Game Science is working on. There is nothing concrete yet. No release date, no storyline, and no hint at how the game is going to play out. One thing’s for sure: it will be an ARPG like Black Myth: Wukong. It will be years before Black Myth: Zhong Kui sees the light of day. Meanwhile, please enjoy the game’s announcement trailer:
Images: Game Science [CH].
