Recently, a game has caused a sensation in the gaming community. Even if you don’t usually follow gaming news, the names “Wukong” 悟空 (Wù kōng) and “Da Sheng” 大圣 (Dà shèng) are likely ringing in your ears—it’s “Black Myth: Wukong.” This Chinese-made AAA game has quickly won the enthusiastic pursuit of players worldwide since its launch, setting new records on multiple platforms and becoming the most eye-catching gaming phenomenon at present.
The game’s design is inspired by the character of Sun Wukong from one of China’s four great classical novels, “Journey to the West” 西游记 (Xī yóu jì) Players will take on the role of the “the destined one” 天命人 (Tiān mìng rén) gradually becoming the “Great Sage Equal to Heaven—Wukong” 齐天大圣——悟空 (Qí tiān dà shèng —— wù kōng) as the storyline unfolds.
Cultural and Linguistic Richness in Translation
One of the standout features of “Black Myth: Wukong” is its approach to translation and localization. Rather than fully anglicizing the game, it retains significant cultural elements in their original Chinese forms. This strategy is evident in the transliteration of names and terms, such as “WuKong” for Wukong, preserving the essence of the original language while providing an immersive experience for international players.
To help you better understand this game, the following are annotations for some interesting translations:
“Chi” 气 (Qì):
Considered a life energy, Taoist practitioners absorb and utilize this energy through cultivation to reach the realm of immortals. Some animals, after long-term absorption of “Chi” from nature, also open up spiritual intelligence and become the monsters of legend.
“Taoist” 道士 (Dào shì):
May have the ability to refine elixirs for better health in the game and use talismans or control “Chi” to launch attacks. They believe that through cultivation or taking elixirs, they can be sublimated into immortals.
“Dan” 丹 (Dān):
Elixirs made by Taoists from precious materials after a long period of refining, aimed at restoring physical strength and accelerating the process of becoming an immortal.
“Fu” 符 (Fú):
As a medium of communication with the divine, it is endowed with the functions of exorcism, healing, and blessing through specific writing and rituals.
“Yaoguai” 妖怪 (Yāo guài):
Different from demons and monsters, they are tribes that have become powerful after animals obtain “Chi” and long-term cultivation, possessing their own thinking and judgment.
“Fa” 法 (fǎ):
It is a skill similar to magic, used to control “Chi” for attack or to enhance strength.
“Xian” 仙 (xiān):
Deities in ancient China, who have become immortals living in the heavenly realm through their own cultivation and good nature, usually responsible for blessing and protecting humans, a symbol of justice and blessing.
In addition to these interesting translations in the game, there are many Chinese cultural characteristics in the form of transliterated English words, which represent unique cultural elements or concepts of China:
“Loong” 龙 (Lóng):
The English translation of the Chinese dragon has changed from “dragon” to “loong” to distinguish the Chinese dragon from the Western dragon. In China, the dragon is an embodiment of auspicious justice, while “dragon” often has a sinister meaning in Western culture.
“Kung Fu” 功夫 (Gōng fū):
A term representing a variety of Chinese martial arts.
“Tai Chi” 太极 (Tài jí):
An important concept in Chinese traditional culture, it is a type of Neijia (internal) martial art that emphasizes the harmony of body and mind.
“Feng Shui” 风水 (fēng shuǐ):
It is a traditional Chinese cultural belief and practice, involving the layout of the environment and space to achieve harmony and balance.
The above are eleven transliterated Chinese terms featured in ‘Black Myth: Wukong,’ which represent just a small part of the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. If you have a keen interest in Chinese culture and language, we are here to help!
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