Game Science, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Black Myth: Wukong, has officially announced its next major title: Black Myth: Zhong Kui. Revealed during the Gamescom 2025 Opening Night Live event, the game promises to explore a new mythological tale rooted in Chinese folklore, shifting away from the monkey king Sun Wukong to a new, equally legendary hero — Zhong Kui, the famed demon queller.
The announcement arrived in the form of a stunning cinematic trailer, showcasing Zhong Kui riding a massive tiger, surrounded by eerie spirits and supernatural forces. The teaser hinted at a much darker, more ominous tone compared to Wukong, suggesting a shift in both narrative and atmosphere. The visual fidelity and stylized design already signal Game Science’s ambition to maintain its high production standards, even at this early development stage.
Zhong Kui is a well-known figure in Chinese mythology, traditionally portrayed as a vanquisher of demons and a protector of humanity. His inclusion marks a significant change in direction for the Black Myth franchise, offering a more solemn, haunted protagonist in contrast to the mischievous energy of Sun Wukong. His ride—a tiger—is a nod to regional adaptations of the legend and points to a broader, more nuanced approach to cultural interpretation.
According to Game Science, Zhong Kui is still in early development, with no gameplay footage or release window confirmed. In fact, the developers candidly described the project as starting from “an empty folder,” emphasizing that the announcement was more about revealing intent than showcasing progress. Still, the team’s decision to reveal the game during Gamescom reinforces their commitment to growing the Black Myth universe and maintaining fan engagement year-round.
This new title isn’t just a spiritual successor—it’s the foundation for what appears to be a much larger anthology of myth-based games. Reports suggest Game Science has begun work on several other mythological adaptations, and trademarks for titles like Black Myth: Jiang Ziya and Black Myth: Xiao Qian indicate that a multi-game saga is likely in development. Each game may explore a different mythological figure or story, creating a rich tapestry of narratives under the unified Black Myth branding.
Rather than creating downloadable content or expansions for Wukong, the developers chose to move in a fresh direction, applying lessons learned to entirely new characters and settings. The goal, it seems, is to avoid creative stagnation and give each game its own identity—both mechanically and thematically.
While it’s too early to discuss platforms or release dates, anticipation is already building. Game Science’s reputation for blending stunning visuals with deep cultural storytelling has created a loyal global following, and Zhong Kui looks ready to deliver a different kind of mythological experience—one rooted in horror, honor, and haunting beauty.
As players continue to explore the world of Wukong, Zhong Kui offers a glimpse at the future of myth-driven storytelling in games—ambitious, emotional, and steeped in legend.
