The creator of Black Myth: Wukong is based at the China (Zhijiang) Audiovisual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The first domestic AAA video game, Black Myth: Wukong, which was developed by Game Science in Hangzhou, became an instant hit upon its release.

Data indicates that within a month after pre-orders opened on June 8, the game, which is inspired by the ancient Chinese tale Journey to the West, sold an impressive 1.2 million copies, generating nearly 400 million yuan ($56 million) in revenue. On its launch day on Aug 20, the game surpassed 4.5 million copies sold, with brands like Luckin Coffee and JD.com partnering with Wukong, and the game's setting in North China's Shanxi province attracting many tourists. It has made a major splash in the Chinese gaming industry.

Song Yawen, former director of Community Operations at Nexus Space Gaming, said, "It wasn't just the more-than 100 employees at Game Science who made Wukong possible; it also required support from outside the company. Founder Feng Ji and every single employee are experienced veterans in game development."

Black Myth: Wukong is not Game Science's only product. It released games like 100 Heroes and Red Tides back in 2016, giving it the funds necessary to develop Black Myth: Wukong.

Cosplayers game at an expo hosted during the 18th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival in Hangzhou. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]