The gaming community is buzzing with excitement after reports surfaced about a Black Myth Zhong Kui trademark registered by Game Science, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Black Myth: Wukong. This discovery, which came to light ahead of Gamescom 2025, suggests the Chinese developer has much bigger plans than anyone anticipated.
What the Black Myth Zhong Kui Trademark Reveals
According to recent findings, Game Science registered the Black Myth Zhong Kui trademark back in 2020, years before their breakout success with Wukong. This strategic move indicates the studio was already planning an expanded universe of games based on Chinese mythology long before their first title became a global phenomenon.
The trademark registration isn’t just a single game either. Game Science has also secured rights to “Black Myth: Jiang Ziya,” suggesting they’re developing what appears to be a trilogy of mythologically-inspired action games. Each title seems to follow the naming convention of “Black Myth” followed by a legendary Chinese character’s name.
Who is Zhong Kui in Chinese Mythology?
Unlike Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Journey to the West, Zhong Kui represents a completely different archetype in Chinese folklore. Known as the “Demon Queller” or “Ghost King,” Zhong Kui is essentially a supernatural bounty hunter who specializes in hunting down evil spirits and demons.
In traditional stories, Zhong Kui is often depicted as an intimidating figure with a fierce appearance – quite different from the heroic Monkey King. His legend centers around his role as a protector against supernatural threats, making him perfect for a potentially horror-tinged gaming experience.
This mythological background suggests that Black Myth Zhong Kui could offer a dramatically different gameplay experience compared to Wukong, possibly incorporating horror elements, ghost-hunting mechanics, or supernatural investigation themes.
Standalone Game vs DLC Speculation
Gaming enthusiasts have been debating whether these trademark registrations point to standalone games or downloadable content. Based on the mythological evidence, most experts believe Black Myth Zhong Kui will be a separate game entirely.
The reasoning is simple: Zhong Kui and Sun Wukong exist in different mythological contexts and time periods. Their stories don’t intersect in traditional Chinese folklore, making it unlikely that Zhong Kui would appear as DLC for the Wukong storyline.
Instead, Game Science appears to be building a shared universe where each game explores different aspects of Chinese mythology through distinct protagonists and gameplay styles.
What This Means for Game Science’s Future
The Black Myth Zhong Kui trademark discovery reveals Game Science’s ambitious long-term vision. Rather than being a one-hit wonder with Wukong, the studio has been quietly developing a comprehensive strategy to become the premier developer of Chinese mythology-based games.
This approach makes business sense too. Black Myth: Wukong’s massive success – with over 10 million copies sold – has proven there’s global appetite for high-quality games rooted in Chinese culture and mythology. By expanding this concept across multiple legendary figures, Game Science can build a sustainable franchise.
The timing of this trademark “unearthing” ahead of Gamescom 2025 suggests we might hear official announcements about the studio’s future projects during the event.
Community Reactions and Expectations
The gaming community’s response to the trademark news has been overwhelmingly positive. Players are excited about the prospect of exploring different aspects of Chinese mythology through varied gameplay experiences.
Some fans have expressed particular interest in how Game Science might handle Zhong Kui’s “ugly” appearance – a characteristic that’s explicitly mentioned in traditional folklore. This could lead to a refreshing protagonist who breaks conventional video game hero stereotypes.
Others are curious about whether the ghost-hunting theme will introduce horror elements to the Black Myth series, potentially attracting new audiences while maintaining the stunning visual quality that made Wukong famous.
Looking Ahead to Gamescom 2025
While Game Science hasn’t officially confirmed development of Black Myth Zhong Kui, the trademark registration and its recent discovery suggest announcements could be imminent. Gamescom 2025 would provide the perfect platform for revealing their expanded plans.
For now, fans can only speculate about gameplay mechanics, visual style, and release timelines. However, if Game Science maintains the same quality standards that made Black Myth: Wukong a global success, their mythology-based trilogy could reshape how the gaming industry approaches cultural storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Black Myth Zhong Kui trademark registered?
The Black Myth Zhong Kui trademark was registered by Game Science in 2020, several years before Black Myth: Wukong’s release.
Will Black Myth Zhong Kui be DLC or a standalone game?
Based on mythological evidence, it’s expected to be a standalone game since Zhong Kui and Wukong exist in separate mythological contexts and their stories don’t traditionally intersect.
Who is Zhong Kui in Chinese mythology?
Zhong Kui is known as the “Demon Queller” or “Ghost King” in Chinese folklore – a supernatural bounty hunter who specializes in hunting evil spirits and demons.
What other Black Myth games has Game Science trademarked?
Besides Black Myth Zhong Kui, Game Science has also registered a trademark for “Black Myth: Jiang Ziya,” suggesting a trilogy of mythology-based games.
Will Black Myth Zhong Kui have horror elements?
Given Zhong Kui’s role as a ghost hunter in mythology, many fans speculate the game could incorporate horror elements, though Game Science hasn’t confirmed this.
When might we hear official announcements about Black Myth Zhong Kui?
The trademark discovery ahead of Gamescom 2025 suggests official announcements could potentially happen during the event, though this hasn’t been confirmed.
Conclusion
The Black Myth Zhong Kui trademark discovery has opened exciting possibilities for Game Science’s future. With their proven ability to blend Chinese mythology with cutting-edge game development, the studio appears positioned to create a lasting franchise that celebrates cultural heritage while delivering world-class gaming experiences. Whether we’ll see official announcements at Gamescom 2025 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the gaming world will be watching closely.