Journey to the West Captivates the World: An Interview with LiHuichuan

SHANGHAI, Aug. 29 (CNS) – The release of Black Myth: Wukong, a Chinese-made AAA game based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, has sparked a global Journey to the West phenomenon. The game has topped Steam’s global trending list, with players worldwide eager to embark on thepilgrimage to the West. Chinese players are meticulously studying the original text, while international players are forming study groups to delve into the intricacies of Journey to the West.

What makes Journey to the West so captivating, transcending time and cultural boundaries? What role does gaming play in the contemporary dissemination of classic literature? Li Huichuan, Assistant Researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of Literature and Head of the Digital Game Culture Research Center, recently spoke with CNS’s East and West series to shed light on these questions.

CNS: Black Myth: Wukong, a Chinese-made game based on Journey to the West, has ignited a global Journey to the West craze. What makes Journey to theWest so captivating, transcending time and cultural boundaries?

Li Huichuan: The Journey to the West we know today is a culmination of centuries of folk tales and literary creations, brimming with ancient wisdom and life experiences. It has a narrative structure that resonates with modern audiences, allowing them to projecttheir own spiritual world and daily lives onto the story.

For example, in Journey to the West, Sun Wukong learns from the Bodhi Patriarch. Initially, he only does chores, unsure of what he’s learning, leading to confusion about the learning process. This mirrors the anxieties of contemporary college studentsentering new fields, questioning what they should learn and its relevance. The overarching plot of Tang Sanzang and his disciples’ pilgrimage to the West resembles a modern road movie, with its depiction of a long journey that remains relatable across cultures.

The 1980s television series Journey tothe West left an indelible mark on Chinese audiences born in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of them, without having read the original text or understanding its cultural depth and mythological system, simply saw Sun Wukong as a hero and Pigsy as a comedic character, forminga superficial understanding of the story.

Therefore, for foreign audiences unfamiliar with Chinese traditional culture and the original Journey to the West, a well-translated or adapted version can make the story accessible and appealing.

On August 27th, the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta held an Experience of Chinese Smart Technology Products open day event. Visitors were able to try out popular Chinese-made AAA single-player games, including Black Myth: Wukong.

Li Huichuan: From a deeper perspective, the spiritual core of literary works reflects universal human psychological needs and value aspirations. Children see Sun Wukong as a superhero with superhuman strength, the ability to shapeshift, and the courage to confront demons and monsters, reflecting humanity’s universal desire for self-transcendence and achieving unattainable feats through trials and tribulations. This hero complex is universal, found in Norse mythology, Greek mythology, and other Western legends.

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung categorized artistic creation into two modes: psychological and hallucinatory. He defined the core of hallucinatory art as a mysterious spiritual essence accumulated deep within the human psyche, something that cannot be grasped directly. Chinese scholar Wang Yichuan believesthat psychological art corresponds to everyday experiences, while hallucinatory art represents a spiritual essence that transcends the ordinary.

CNS: How does gaming contribute to the contemporary dissemination of classic literature?

Li Huichuan: Games provide a more immersive and interactive experience compared to traditional media like books and films. Players canactively participate in the story, making choices and experiencing the world through the game’s characters, which deepens their understanding and appreciation of the original work.

Black Myth: Wukong is a testament to the power of gaming in bringing classic literature to life. The game’s stunning visuals, intricate gameplay, and faithfulness to the original story have captivated players worldwide, sparking a renewed interest in Journey to the West.

Li Huichuan: The success of Black Myth: Wukong is a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of Journey to the West. Its timeless themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the triumph of good over evil continue to resonate with audiences across generations and cultures. The game’s global popularity highlights the potential of gaming to bridge cultural divides and introduce audiences to new worlds of literature and storytelling.


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