Black Myth: Wukong Director Reflects on Missing Game of the Year at TGA 2024

The Game Awards 2024 was a major event that celebrated another star-studded year in gaming, with Black Myth: Wukong as one of the top titles. While the game took home two awards, the coveted Game of the Year title went to the unexpected contender, Astro Bot. In response, the director of Black Myth: Wukong publicly expressed his disappointment over the loss and criticized the event.

Black Myth: Wukong Director Reflects on Missing Game of the Year at TGA 2024

Black Myth: Wukong was a huge success upon release, quickly becoming the second most-played game on Steam. Given this success and its standalone nature, many, including director Feng Ji, expected it to win Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. However, the award went to Astro Bot, leaving the Game Science team disappointed.

Feng Ji vented his frustration on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, questioning the criteria behind the selection process. “I must admit that there are disappointments and regrets. I really don’t understand the selection criteria for this year’s Game of the Year. I came here for nothing!” he wrote.

He also shared that he had prepared a Game of the Year acceptance speech two years ago, a reflection of his team's confidence in their work. “It’s normal to be a little angry when you are so confident but not recognized by others,” he added.

here’s alanah pearce talking about it https://t.co/9X3p90qn4dpic.twitter.com/JZy9C6ybuW

— kate bush's husband (@airbagged) December 15, 2024

Alanah Pearce, former writer at Sony Santa Monica, noted on a live stream that the Wukong team was visibly upset by the loss, saying, “The Wukong team were crying when they did not win, which is definitely unusual.”Given the immense effort put into Black Myth: Wukong - including updates like a free boss rush mode, custom fight arena, and more - it’s understandable why the team was so disappointed.

However, this isn’t the end for Game Science or the Black Myth: Wukong IP. A DLC is on the way, and the company has more projects in development. If their future releases match or surpass Wukong, a Game of the Year win could be in their future.