I just watched the Black Myth: Zhong Kui teaser trailer and honestly it doesn’t feel like just a simple cinematic preview. It felt like there’s more to this. Something along the lines of a layered riddle with easter eggs in every line and image.
Game Science, the studio behind Black Myth: Wukong, was upfront in calling the project little more than an “empty folder” for now. That might disappoint those hungry for more instant spectacle, yet it feels refreshing in an industry that's often quick to oversell. Rather than rush out content, the studio seems willing to bide its timer to shape something that can stands apart from its predecessor.
With no release date or gameplay footage in sight, the rumour mills are already hard at work. Fans' reactions have been that of surprise and anticipation rather than scepticism. It helps, of course, that Wukong was a massive success and proved Game Science can deliver.
That opening scene with the two characters helping each other up has to be Feng Ji and Yang Qi, the producers of Wukong. And when one of them says, “look at that belly of yours,” fans can’t help but think that this is in reference to how Wukong got way bigger than they expected. Then there’s mention about a “mountain.” Which sounds poetic, but it’s really about how Game Science views the making of Zhong Kui. And “the master” line sounds like a nod to the “Destined One,” the figure guiding them behind the scenes.
The irony in some of the other lines. “No scoldin’, no floggin’, lives spared, why risk going back” almost feels like them winking at the audience about the missing DLC. They haven’t rushed anything because they know expectations are huge. If they can’t surpass the original, why risk it? Then “Leastways, we’ve got food on our table” line lands perfectly. Wukong was a success, so why use that a springboard to try something new instead of stretching the old game?
We see Zhong Kui, with his red beard, and he's sitting on a tiger. To his left, demons carry his sword. Zhong Kui is an intriguing choice of lead. For those who might not know his backstory; he started out as a scholar, brilliant and ambitious, but with deeply human flaws. He studies hard, excels in the imperial exams, but is denied the top rank solely because of his appearance. That humiliation drives him to despair and ultimately to take his own life.
But death does not end his story. The underworld recognises his talent and his sense of justice and appoints him as the King of Ghosts. From that point on, he becomes a guardian against malevolent spirits and a symbol of moral authority in the unseen world.
In today's time, people worship Zhong Kui not just for his strength, but for the sense of protection he brings. His presence is meant to keep evil spirits away, to enforce a moral balance that humans cannot always maintain. His martial power might not match Wukong or Erlang Shen, but in the underworld he is absolute. Every detail in the teaser emphasises his fierce nature and unwavering resolve.
That is what excites me most about this reveal. The trailer is not just saying “here comes another game.” It feels like the beginning of an expansion into the Black Myth universe with a series of games that draw from different Chinese legends. Instead of chaining Wukong to endless sequels, it's world building.
I’ve played Black Myth: Wukong many times before, and if this lives up to it, I’m sure gamers like me are going to be hooked; the teaser alone have me itching to jump in.
