Within minutes of the orchestra starting up, bringing Black Myth: Wukong's impressive score into the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, I've got goosebumps. Sat amongst fellow media, influencers, and hundreds of fans of the game, the atmosphere is incredible. Hearing the score played out in the same theatre where I've watched Xbox E3 showcases and other huge concerts feels like a monumental moment, the traditional Chinese instruments blending so beautifully against the Western orchestra, all backdropped by scenes and gameplay from Black Myth: Wukong itself.
This is a game that I've been following since its first announcement, intrigued by its cultural heritage and its position as an unofficial continuation of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. But even after playing it, hearing the music come to life as a live performance just highlights what an achievement this is for this IP.
Black Myth: Wukong has had a fantastic run already, winning two awards at the 2024 Game Awards (Best Action Game and the Player's Voice Award) and selling an incredible 10 million copies across all platforms within just four days of launch. But there's something about bringing the game to a new stage that feels like an evolution.
Hearing the players speak at a special mixer before the concert was really inspiring, understanding that what resonated with me about the game - particularly its characters and narrative, along with its challenging action gameplay - connected with so many others so passionately in the room.
The Headless Monk was a continued talking point, so when the vocalist and composer behind the character, Xiong Zhuying, appeared to walk on stage holding the traditional Chinese three-stringed plucked instrument called the Sanxian that the headless monk plays in the game, the crowd went wild. But, quickly, a video popped up of Xiong Zhuying himself, explaining that he couldn't be there due to circumstances beyond his control, but his son was there in his place, the room erupted with affection for Xiong's son. And of course, it still felt exactly like the headless monk was in the room with us.
What I particularly loved is that the concert was the perfect blend of the game's narrative with its iconic soundtrack. While there was plenty of gameplay accompanying the music, it was the stop motion and animated cutscenes that fit between the game's chapters that really stayed with me. It helped emphasise that Black Myth: Wukong's visual storytelling shifts as much as the music does, and seeing the different elements of the game so side by side in this way just highlights how expressive and impressive the game's approach to storytelling is.
It also felt like the longer the Black Myth: Wukong Concert went on, the more emotive and evocative it became, with more and more vocalists joining the instrumentalists for impassioned duets that were incredibly moving.
With the evening rounded out by a glorious rendition of the main Black Myth: Wukong theme, it was no surprise that when the instrumentalists and vocalists took to the stage for their applause, they were met with well-earned standing ovations.
The next stop for the Black Myth: Wukong Global Concert Tour is on July 12, where the glorious sound of the game's score will fill New York's iconic Carnegie Hall. Tickets are still available now if you're quick!
