Black Myth: Wukong Desperately Needs Better Gender and LGBTQIA+ Representation

[Grav]

I’ve been following the development of Black Myth: Wukong with great interest, as many of you probably have. The game looks visually stunning, with a promising story rooted in Chinese mythology and folklore. However, as we draw closer to the release, I've become increasingly concerned about the blatant sexism and the complete absence of LGBTQIA+ representation in the game. It's disappointing, and I think we need to talk about this.

Firstly, let's address the obvious: the portrayal of female characters. From what we've seen in trailers and teasers, the game heavily leans into traditional, hypersexualized depictions of women. Female characters, when they do appear, seem to be there primarily to serve as eye candy rather than fully fleshed-out, complex individuals. This is not only a tired trope but a harmful one.

Gaming has long struggled with sexism, and it’s frustrating to see a game with so much potential fall into the same traps. Black Myth Wukong is a game that’s supposed to represent rich cultural narratives, yet it feels like women are still relegated to the sidelines, playing stereotypical roles that do nothing to enhance the story or offer meaningful representation.

The developers had a chance to create a diverse and inclusive world, but instead, it appears they opted for outdated and sexist character design. The lack of strong, independent female characters who aren’t sexualized is a glaring issue that can’t be ignored.

Moving beyond sexism, another pressing issue is the complete lack of LGBTQIA+ representation. In 2024, it's no longer acceptable for a game—especially one with as much visibility as Black Myth Wukong—to exclude such a significant and diverse group of people. Representation matters, and it’s crucial that all players feel seen and included in the games they play.

LGBTQIA+ characters and storylines are not just optional extras or “nice-to-haves.” They are essential for creating a world that truly reflects the diversity of human experience. By ignoring LGBTQIA+ identities, the developers are perpetuating a harmful norm that assumes heteronormativity as the default and erases the existence of countless individuals who deserve to be represented.

It’s disheartening to see such a rich narrative opportunity wasted. Imagine how much more powerful and engaging the story could be if it included characters of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. The myths and folklore that inspire the game are full of transformation, fluid identities, and complex relationships—these themes are ripe for exploration in ways that could be incredibly affirming and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ players.

Some might argue that the game is based on traditional Chinese folklore, and therefore doesn't need to include modern concepts like LGBTQIA+ representation. However, this argument falls flat for several reasons.

First, mythology and folklore are not static; they evolve and are reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary values and understandings. Just as modern retellings of myths in other cultures have embraced more inclusive narratives, so too should this game.

Second, representation isn’t about shoehorning modern ideas into ancient stories; it’s about recognizing the diversity that has always existed, even if it wasn’t explicitly recorded. LGBTQIA+ people have existed in every culture and time period, even if their stories have often been suppressed or ignored. By including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes, the game could actually enrich the story, making it more relevant and resonant with today’s audiences.

I urge the developers to take these concerns seriously and to make the changes necessary to ensure that Black Myth Wukong isn’t just another game that perpetuates harmful stereotypes but is instead a beacon of progress in the gaming industry. We can and should demand better from the games we play.

[Night]

stfu no one cares.

[Sepums]

Previous comment:

The game is based on a 16th century chinese novel based in chinese mythology. All the characters in the game, alongside the humans, are animals and mythological creatures, so what kind of diversity are you demanding? Did the source material, or the time period it is set in, or the time period it was written in, have any of the characters you are demanding? You ask if it would hurt them to include more diversity, and I ask, why does it hurt you if they don't? Must every game have a character that represents something that you can relate to so you can enjoy it? Instead of enjoying the world, story, and characters being presented, you ignore all of that and actively look for representation? Sure, it wouldn't hurt to shoehorn a character that has no place in chinese mythology just to appease a minority, not considering the lashing the developers would get from the chinese for bastardizing the source material, but it shouldn't hurt not to do that either. Not everything has to be progressive, especially a videogame based on 16th century CHINESE MYTHOLOGY. Please take a moment to think about this.

Here's a real newsflash for you, buddy: This game was made in mainland China, a country with a very conservative-minded culture. The developers aren't "oppressed" by the Chinese government, it's their culture. Somehow you don't realize how unrealistic it is to demand the Chinese to transform their own historical, cultural, mythological, and religious themes to appease to such a recent and controversial movement that has yet to reach their country.

Yes, Chinese mythology is ripe with possibilities to exploit with a "modern take." However, consider how disrespectful it would be to the source material, and while the west are free to bastardize whatever culture they want with their ideals, the Chinese are not going to do this to their own historical stories and figures.

They set out to make a game that faithfully retells a story from their own history and culture. You have no right to demand them to change it for a minor audience from the other side of the globe. Not that they would anyway. And if you disagree with that because it disrespects your group, think about how you are disrespecting them by demanding they change their own work to suit you. If you don't like it, don't support it. They are not your servants.

Would you enjoy a retelling of the bible using a wild cast of LGBT characters? Of course you would, but that's because you are not faithful to the material and you do not care about it. Christians however, would absolutely despise that. Does that mean they are wrong and you are right? Everyone is right in their own lenses. That does not give you the right to demand re-writing the bible for a "modern audience" nor make it the new, correct way to read the bible. You are however free to do that as you please and share it with people from your own group, but do not force it on other groups.

There's plenty of inclusive media out there. Go consume and support it. Though it has been proven time and time again that most of this inclusive media fails miserably. It doesn't fail because people label it as "woke" and hate it for that, it fails because they turn out to be legitimately bad products that have nothing going for them other than parading how inclusive and progressive they are.

Who's to blame for this? Believe me, it's not the haters. It's because people like you demand others to appease them instead of making a good product yourself. In your aggressive tunnel vision on being progressive, you are blinded to what makes a product good and appealing. People hate progressive media not because they oppose progression, but because people who make it are incompetent and it turns out ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ bad.

I also think it's quite ridiculous that "modern" just means "has LGBTQIA+" to you. In addition to the claim that "modern audiences" demand "modern storytelling" which boils down to "find a way to include LGBT and POC characters" according to your demands. (It's also very pathetic how you feel the need to write down the entire "LGBTQIA+" abbreviation out of your fear to exclude anybody, even though nobody will chastise you for just saying LGBT for short.)

You do not speak for the majority of people. You think you speak for the "minority" that you think you represent, even though people from that same group have also expressed their disagreement with you. You speak for yourself and for yourself only.

Stop making "being a minority" your only trait. You are a person. You have more going on for you than crying for "minorities" that have not asked you to represent them. That's called white knighting by the way.

I must also bring this fellow's comment to the front page of this "dicussion":

Originally posted by ynxhistory:

Firstly, regarding the portrayal of female characters, your article mentions that the women in the game are overly sexualized and lack depth and independence. However, this criticism may overlook the cultural background and narrative needs of the game. "Black Myth: Wukong" is adapted from Chinese ancient mythology and the classic literary work "Journey to the West." In Chinese mythology and culture, the image and role of female characters have certain traditional characteristics, which do not necessarily align with modern Western representations of gender. If the game stays true to the original work and cultural context, some traditional character portrayals might be out of respect for the source material rather than an intentional denigration of women. We should understand cultural differences and historical contexts instead of imposing judgments from a modern Western perspective.

Secondly, your article criticizes the lack of LGBTQIA+ representation in the game, considering it an issue that should not be ignored. However, the acceptance and cultural background of LGBTQIA+ representation vary greatly around the world. In China, the public expression and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community are still limited. Therefore, expecting a game based on Chinese classical literature and culture to include LGBTQIA+ content may not be realistic. Additionally, such a demand might overlook the rights of cultural works to self-expression, and forcibly adding elements that do not belong to the original work or cultural context might weaken the story’s integrity and authenticity.

Lastly, your article suggests that myths and folklore can be reinterpreted through the lens of modern values, a viewpoint that indeed has its validity. However, reinterpretation does not mean that all cultural works must cater to modern values. Each culture has its unique history, traditions, and values, which we should respect rather than demanding they conform to specific modern standards.

[The22nd]

Sorry, Chat GPT. TL:DR. Easy block, easy life.

[Ice]

Don't give this troll any rewards, he is trying to spark outrage boys.

[someoneproud]

Concord has all the things you want. Why are you letting it die if you actually care about this stuff?

[Ted]

DON'T GIVE THESE JESTER FARMERS YOUR POINTS PEOPLE

Edit: besides the fact the OP isn't even 4 hours into the game, it is a game about a monkey man and his epic journey that is based on Chinese mythology. Not modern day woke western politics and feminism etc.

The game isn't political and it is frustrating that certain people tried to make it political and now we have all these trolls and jester farmers

[BasslineJunkie]

Are these modern audiences in the room with use now?

Concord and dustborn are there for you bro, go and be braindamaged of there

[Grav]

@Bassline Junkie
Wow, what an insightful and mature response. It’s almost like you missed the memo that diversity and representation actually matter. Not everyone wants to play games stuck in the past, clinging to outdated stereotypes. But hey, if you’re comfortable with mediocrity and exclusion, enjoy your echo chamber. Some of us, however, prefer games that acknowledge the real world and include everyone. Keep living in your tiny bubble, though. Sounds cozy!

[Sepums]

Then go play the games that "acknowledge the real world" that you are trying to force upon everyone else. Leave this game for us.

[Grav]

@Ted
Wow, "jester farmers"? That's a new one. It’s 2024—games aren’t immune to the progress the rest of the world is making. Just because Black Myth: Wukong is based on Chinese mythology doesn’t mean it should be stuck in the past with zero inclusivity. The lack of LGBTQIA+ representation and the sexist portrayal of women are embarrassing, especially for a game released today. If expecting basic representation makes me a "troll," then so be it. Maybe it’s time to catch up with the rest of us.

[BasslineJunkie]

@Grav really? Games are invented to escape reality, not bring all the fcking problems of the everyday world into games so you can experience them here aswell. Really go see a doctor, all you people complaining about diversity are seriously brain damaged. Like I said, go play concord or dustborn they were especially made for you people.

You lost, stop being a bunch of fascists and let people enjoy what they like.

[Ted]

Originally posted by Grav:

@Ted
Wow, "jester farmers"? That's a new one. It’s 2024—games aren’t immune to the progress the rest of the world is making. Just because Black Myth: Wukong is based on Chinese mythology doesn’t mean it should be stuck in the past with zero inclusivity. The lack of LGBTQIA+ representation and the sexist portrayal of women are embarrassing, especially for a game released today. If expecting basic representation makes me a "troll," then so be it. Maybe it’s time to catch up with the rest of us.

I know exactly what you are doing here and it is becoming incredibly tiresome and tedious.

Hopefully NOBODY GIVES YOU JESTERS and if you really want to support what you say you do, you would go and put your money behind a product that does support this agenda you claim you support (along with the ~ 80 other people in the world who agree).

https://store.steampowered.com/app/721180/Dustborn/

[Krafin117]

No. It needed to be faithful to Journey to the West.

That's it. Nothing more. Nothing less.

[Keet]

Originally posted by Grav:

I’ve been following the development of Black Myth: Wukong with great interest, as many of you probably have. The game looks visually stunning, with a promising story rooted in Chinese mythology and folklore. However, as we draw closer to the release, I've become increasingly concerned about the blatant sexism and the complete absence of LGBTQIA+ representation in the game. It's disappointing, and I think we need to talk about this.

Firstly, let's address the obvious: the portrayal of female characters. From what we've seen in trailers and teasers, the game heavily leans into traditional, hypersexualized depictions of women. Female characters, when they do appear, seem to be there primarily to serve as eye candy rather than fully fleshed-out, complex individuals. This is not only a tired trope but a harmful one.

Gaming has long struggled with sexism, and it’s frustrating to see a game with so much potential fall into the same traps. Black Myth Wukong is a game that’s supposed to represent rich cultural narratives, yet it feels like women are still relegated to the sidelines, playing stereotypical roles that do nothing to enhance the story or offer meaningful representation.

The developers had a chance to create a diverse and inclusive world, but instead, it appears they opted for outdated and sexist character design. The lack of strong, independent female characters who aren’t sexualized is a glaring issue that can’t be ignored.

Moving beyond sexism, another pressing issue is the complete lack of LGBTQIA+ representation. In 2024, it's no longer acceptable for a game—especially one with as much visibility as Black Myth Wukong—to exclude such a significant and diverse group of people. Representation matters, and it’s crucial that all players feel seen and included in the games they play.

LGBTQIA+ characters and storylines are not just optional extras or “nice-to-haves.” They are essential for creating a world that truly reflects the diversity of human experience. By ignoring LGBTQIA+ identities, the developers are perpetuating a harmful norm that assumes heteronormativity as the default and erases the existence of countless individuals who deserve to be represented.

It’s disheartening to see such a rich narrative opportunity wasted. Imagine how much more powerful and engaging the story could be if it included characters of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. The myths and folklore that inspire the game are full of transformation, fluid identities, and complex relationships—these themes are ripe for exploration in ways that could be incredibly affirming and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ players.

Some might argue that the game is based on traditional Chinese folklore, and therefore doesn't need to include modern concepts like LGBTQIA+ representation. However, this argument falls flat for several reasons.

First, mythology and folklore are not static; they evolve and are reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary values and understandings. Just as modern retellings of myths in other cultures have embraced more inclusive narratives, so too should this game.

Second, representation isn’t about shoehorning modern ideas into ancient stories; it’s about recognizing the diversity that has always existed, even if it wasn’t explicitly recorded. LGBTQIA+ people have existed in every culture and time period, even if their stories have often been suppressed or ignored. By including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes, the game could actually enrich the story, making it more relevant and resonant with today’s audiences.

I urge the developers to take these concerns seriously and to make the changes necessary to ensure that Black Myth Wukong isn’t just another game that perpetuates harmful stereotypes but is instead a beacon of progress in the gaming industry. We can and should demand better from the games we play.

Harmful steroetypes?
What harmful stereotypes?
Also, why does this game need ANY LGBTQIA characters? For me to beat to death with my magical extending staff?
This game is about the monkey king beating a noah's arc of animals to death with his magical stick

I am a gay man, and I honestly do not care about representation in every game. I really don't. The **ONLY** time I care is when there is a romantic storyline where I can engage with it. If that doesn't exist, then I really, really don't care.
I doubly do not care when it's trying to be a retelling of a story that I am already aware of

[Grav]

@Ted
Thanks for the game recommendation! I’ll definitely check it out. But let’s not stray from the main issue here—Black Myth: Wukong needs to step up when it comes to diversity and inclusion. It’s frustrating that in 2024, we still have to ask for basic representation in such a high-profile game. Also, I’m genuinely confused about this whole "jester farming" thing. All I’m asking for is more inclusivity in games. Why is that such a big deal? Diversity isn’t a trend; it’s a necessary part of modern storytelling.