Black Myth: Wukong Devs Accused of Sexism and Toxic Work Culture
A comprehensive report points to toxic and sexist behavior among members of Game Science, the studio working on Black Myth: Wukong.
Premiere of Black Myth: Wukong may take place enveloped in scandal. This is indicated by a report from IGN, revealing a sexist and discriminatory work culture at Game Science, the studio responsible for the project.
The extensive article is based, among other things, on statements made public online by the studio's co-founders. Among them are comments made by the game's lead artist, Yang Qi, who wrote on the social network Weibo in 2013 that men and women can't enjoy the same games because of different "biological conditions." The developer added that he feels disgusted by games, in his opinion, created specifically for women.
"Fuck mommy's boys, fuck tragic love stories, fuck peach blossoms in the moonlight and scholars playing the flute! [...] Some things are just for men, their depression, their anger, their pain...," read Yang Qi's post.
Even more indelicate came from Game Science co-founder Feng Ji, whose statements very often had sexual overtones. In one post he wrote: "“I want to expand my circle and hire more people, get licked until I can’t get an erection. I want to be honest and make a [game] trailer and be praised as the savior of the industry."
Some of the statements made by Game Science employees are relatively recent. Not so long ago, one developer responded to footage shared online showing a snake-woman in Black Myth: Wukong, writing that if she "covers her lower half with her hand, it's still possible to jerk off."
IGN journalists also reached Game Science recruitment ads that said potential employees could count on "friends with benefits" on the team. Still others allegedly proclaimed slogans like "fat people should fuck off".
These are, of course, just some of the examples of reprehensible behavior in Chinese gamedev, of which there are, unfortunately, many more. From the report we learn that some time ago the CEO of Duoyi Games, the studio responsible for Gunfire Reborn, fired 11 female employees because he allegedly "didn't want another feminist shit" in the company.
The article also includes comments from women in the Chinese gaming community, who make no secret of their bitterness at the fact that no one is reacting to this kind of behavior. What's more, they think that gamers themselves are applauding it.
"I hope that players abroad will be informed about this - not to encourage them to boycott the game, but I believe that consumers should know the position of the developers before making a purchase. Male developers have never paid the price for their misogynistic remarks. Moreover, when female gamers express their dissatisfaction, we can easily be attacked. It's time to change that," a woman named Jen explained to the reporters.
The question remains as to how and whether Game Science will decide to respond to these reports and the behavior of employees at all. At the time of writing this news, the developers of Black Myth: Wukong have not yet taken an official position on the matter.
