Black Myth Wukong Raises Eyebrows With its Creator Guidelines Email

With the release of Black Myth Wukong just around the corner and early reviews being overwhelmingly positive, it seems like nothing can stop Game Science's new action-adventure Souls-like from being a hit. However, the studio has found itself in hot water due to the release of its creator guidelines email, which has caused a rift within the fanbase.

If you're not familiar with the details surrounding this creator guidelines email and want to know why the developers are facing backlash, we've got you covered. Below, we'll dive into all the details of Black Myth Wukong's recent release of its creator guidelines and why it has fans raising their eyebrows.

Black Myth Wukong Draws Attention with Controversial Creator Guidelines Email

The buzz around Black Myth Wukong has intensified recently due to rumors about a controversial creator guidelines email that reportedly outlines strict rules for reviewers discussing the game. Forbes' Paul Tassi confirmed the existence of this email, stating he had seen it himself. However, since we don’t have a copy of the email, its authenticity remains unverified. If the email is legitimate, it brings some significant concerns.

The Black Myth: Wukong guidelines for content creators have apparently leaked online.

Streamers who agree to use a game key are not allowed to include politics, feminist propaganda, China's game industry policies or trigger words as COVID-19 & quarantine.https://t.co/YNZIFFK4MLpic.twitter.com/TMGsNLjVIG

— MauroNL (@MauroNL3) August 17, 2024

The email reportedly lists the do's and don'ts for reviewing Black Myth Wukong. While the do's seem reasonable, the don'ts are more contentious. It advises reviewers to avoid offensive language, insults, political content, and any crass behavior, which all seem fair. However, it also reportedly instructs them to avoid "feminist propaganda," trigger words like COVID-19 and quarantine and any discussion related to "China's game industry, policies, opinions, news, etc."

While it's understandable that the developers may want to avoid discussions about China's industries or the 2020 pandemic, as these topics are not directly relevant to the game, the directive to avoid "feminist propaganda" raises eyebrows, especially in light of previous reports of potentially sexist remarks made by some involved in the game's development.

If this document is genuine, it carries a lot of baggage, and some fans are not happy about it. Many players and fans on Reddit have vowed not to review the game at all. French YouTuber ExServ also shared the email in one of their videos, sparking widespread discussion on Reddit, with gamers accusing the developers of attempting to censor free speech.

However, the fanbase appears divided. Many players who responded to @MauroNL3's post on X about the email felt the developers were being reasonable, asking reviewers to focus solely on the game itself. One user commented, "Keep the review focused on the game, seems perfectly reasonable!" Another echoed this sentiment, saying, "Asking people to solely focus on the game itself and not politics or the country itself is a pretty fair ask."

We find ourselves somewhat in the middle. While the rumors of censorship and the tone of the email should not be ignored, we also believe in judging a game based on its merits, without outside opinions or views influencing the review. Ultimately, we hope those who choose to review Black Myth Wukong do so with a focus on the game itself, and that Game Science addresses the concerns surrounding the email, allowing them to move forward and continue making great games.