You know that feeling? The one where you’ve been waiting for something for so long that it starts to feel less like a real thing and more like a collective dream we all agreed to have? That’s Black Myth: Wukong for me. Ever since that jaw-dropping trailer hit back in 2020, it’s been the unicorn. The “I’ll believe it when I’m playing it” game. A project so ambitious, so visually stunning, that a part of my brain has been braced for disappointment for four straight years.
And now, with the release date finally approaching, developer Game Science decides to throw the most ridiculous, audacious, and frankly fascinating wrench into the works.
They’re already working on the sequel.
Let that sink in for a second. The game we’ve been anxiously anticipating isn’t even out, and the studio is so confident, so forward-looking, that they’re already laying the groundwork for what comes next. It’s the kind of power move that’s either sheer genius or cosmic-level hubris. There is no in-between.
So, That Wukong Sequel… Is It Even Real?
Okay, let’s pump the brakes. Before we get lost in visions of Wukong’s entire multi-decade saga mapped out like the MCU, what’s the actual evidence here? This isn’t just some random forum rumor. The news comes from an interview with Game Science CEO Feng Ji, reported by the ever-reliable folks at IGN. He didn't just hint at it; he was pretty direct.
He talked about the immense pressure and the desire to create a whole "Black Myth Universe." It’s a vision that extends far beyond a single game. This isn't just about telling the classic Journey to the West story; it's about building a world, a brand, an entire mythology on that foundation.
But the most concrete piece of evidence? Job listings. Game Science has apparently been hiring for roles specifically mentioning future projects within this universe, looking for people with experience in Unreal Engine 5—the very engine powering the first game. This isn't just talk. It’s resource allocation. It’s planning. It’s real.
Why Talk About a Sequel Before the First Game Even Ships?
This is the part that fascinates me. On the surface, it seems like putting the cart miles ahead of the horse. The games industry is littered with the corpses of ambitious projects that couldn't even deliver one game, let alone a franchise. Remember Anthem? Yeah. So why would Game Science do this?
I have a few theories.
First, it’s a massive confidence play. They’re telling us, and maybe more importantly, telling potential investors and talent, that Wukong isn’t a one-off gamble. It’s the cornerstone of something much, much bigger. In an industry obsessed with live services and long-term engagement, this signals that they’re in it for the long haul. They’re not just building a game; they’re building an IP.
Second, it’s about talent retention. Game development cycles are brutal. When a huge project wraps up, there's often a period of uncertainty where talented developers might look elsewhere. By already having the next thing spooling up, Game Science can keep their team—this incredibly talented team that knows the engine, the assets, and the vision inside and out—together. It's a practical, if unglamorous, reason.
And third… maybe they just can’t help themselves. Maybe the world of Journey to the West is so rich, so overflowing with stories, that their creative ambitions are already spilling over the sides of a single game. The original novel is a beast, packed with hundreds of demons, gods, and adventures that couldn't possibly fit into one 30-50 hour experience. Maybe this is just pure, unadulterated passion.
Black Myth: Wukong Sequel Already In Development And Here’s Our First Look (Sort Of)
Now for the juicy part. The "first look." Let’s be clear: we don't have a trailer. We don’t have a screenshot. What we have are breadcrumbs, the kind of conceptual hints that are almost more exciting than concrete gameplay because they let our imaginations run wild.
The "first look" is really a "first listen" to their philosophy. The job listings I mentioned point to a continued, and likely expanded, use of Unreal Engine 5. This means the sequel will, at a minimum, aim for the same staggering level of visual fidelity we've seen in the first game's trailers. Think about that. The current game is a graphical benchmark. The sequel will start from there and build up. It's a dizzying thought. With so many different types of modern peripherals, from haptic vests to adaptive triggers, you start to wonder why so many new game controllers are even needed to keep up with this kind of sensory experience.
More than that, Feng Ji's comments about a "Black Myth Universe" are our real first look. It implies that future games might not even star Sun Wukong. Wait, what? Yes. Journey to the West is an ensemble piece. What about a stealth game playing as Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), using his wits and transformations to get by? Or a tank-like brawler starring Sha Wujing (Sandy)? The possibilities are insane.
This isn't a first look at a game; it's a first look at an ambition. And in many ways, that’s even more compelling. It tells us the story doesn't end when the credits roll on the first Black Myth: Wukong. It’s just the prologue.
Beyond the Monkey King: Where Could the Story Go?
This is where my inner mythology nerd gets really fired up. The original Journey to the West is just one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. If Game Science is truly building a "Black Myth Universe," their source material is practically endless.
They could pivot to Water Margin, a gritty tale of 108 outlaws that’s basically a medieval Chinese Suicide Squad. Or Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a story so epic it makes Game of Thrones look like a schoolyard squabble. A strategy-RPG from Game Science set in that era? I’m getting chills just thinking about it.
But even staying within the Journey to the West framework, there's so much to explore. A prequel showing Wukong’s initial rampage through heaven? A spin-off focusing on other demons and deities, like the Bull Demon King or Nezha? The source text is a buffet, and Game Science seems ready to eat. While we wait for all this to materialize, there's no harm in diving into some other adventure games to whet the appetite.
The point is, this sequel news opens up a narrative potential that is, frankly, staggering. It reframes Black Myth: Wukong from being a standalone masterpiece (we hope) into the opening chapter of a potential legendary saga.
It’s a lot to hope for. But after four years of waiting for the dream to become real, what’s a little more dreaming?
A Few Lingering Questions About Wukong's Future
So, you're probably buzzing with the same mix of excitement and "wait, really?" that I am. Let's tackle some of the questions that are likely bouncing around your head.
Is this sequel announcement just a marketing gimmick?
I don't think so. A marketing gimmick is usually a bit more... gimmicky. This feels more like a strategic statement of intent. Given that they're actively hiring for future projects, it points to real, behind-the-scenes work. It’s less about selling the first game and more about establishing the long-term value of the entire Black Myth brand.
So, when could we possibly expect this sequel?
Woah there, slow down! Let's get the first game out first, yeah? Seriously though, high-fidelity game development takes an eternity. Even with the foundation laid, we're likely looking at a 2028-2030 timeframe at the absolute earliest. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Could the sequel not even feature Sun Wukong as the main character?
It's absolutely possible. The universe is called "Black Myth," not "Wukong." While he's the star of this first entry, expanding the world could mean passing the torch (or staff) to another character from the mythology. It would be a bold move, but one that could keep the series fresh for years.
With a whole universe planned, should we worry about microtransactions?
This is a valid concern in modern gaming. Feng Ji has stated the first game will be a premium, single-player title with no microtransactions, which is fantastic. But a whole "universe"? That's where things can get tricky. We've seen how other big franchises, like Marvel's gaming ventures, often lean into cosmetics and live services. For now, let's take them at their word for the first game and keep a watchful eye on the future.
So is the news about the Black Myth: Wukong sequel already in development confirmed?
Yes, as confirmed as it gets without a press release. The CEO of the development studio, Game Science, has spoken about it publicly, and job listings back up the claim. It's happening. The gears are already turning on the next chapter.
