Black Myth: Wukong divides gamers with bizarre creator guidelines email
Game Science has come under fire over an apparent email that asks Black Myth: Wukong content creators not to mention 'feminist propaganda,' COVID-19, and more.
19th Aug 2024 10:05
Images via Game Science
Black Myth: Wukong divides gamers with bizarre creator guidelines email
Game Science has come under fire over an apparent email that asks Black Myth: Wukong content creators not to mention 'feminist propaganda,' COVID-19, and more.
19th Aug 2024 10:05
Images via Game Science
Game Science is facing a storm of controversy, as the Black Myth: Wukong developer finds itself at the centre of a row about content creator guidelines. While Black Myth: Wukong is an ambitious game that some have already been touting as a Game of the Year contender, it's facing backlash just days before release.
Some had already vowed to boycott the 2024 Soulslike over damning reports of potentially sexist and inappropriate remarks made by some involved in making the game. Game Science never responded to IGN's claims from November 2023, but now, the developer is in even more hot water.
Black Myth: Wukong called out for creator guidelines
There were recent rumbles about a bizarre creator guidelines email with some strict rules on what you can and can't say when reviewing the game. Although some wrote this off as just another wild rumour from the gaming world, Forbes' Paul Tassi claims to have seen the email and confirms its legitimacy.
While the "Do's" section is a relatively small "Enjoy the game," the "Don't's" reveals a dictatorial list of rules that get wilder with each line. Mentions of not insulting other players or using offensive language are all pretty standard, however, we then get told to "NOT include politics, violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishization and other content that instigates negative discourse."
There's also a caveat about "trigger" words relating to COVID-19 and quarantine, while the final line refers to not discussing "content related to China's game industry, policies, opinions, news, etc." As you can imagine, this hasn't gone down well in the industry, with some promising not to review the game at all.
French YouTube channel ExServ also shared the email in a video, and it's all over Reddit, with gamers calling out these strict guidelines amidst accusations of the developer trying to censor free speech. Tassi notes that this email wasn't sent to journalists and might've been sent to those who requested codes, also noting that no NDA was required.
Game Science marketing partner Hero Games could've circulated the email, although Tassi hasn't heard back from the developer. In the aftermath of the sexism row, it's not a good look if Black Myth: Wukong is telling creators to avoid "feminist propaganda." With the game preparing to go live and reviews trickling in, we'll have to see whether this affects scores on the door.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
