From Monkey King to Demon Queller: ‘Black Myth: Zhong Kui’ Announced as Next Epic in the ‘Black Myth’ Saga

In a world of highly-anticipated sequels and franchise revivals, few announcements could have shocked the gaming community more than the one that closed out Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live. Following the unprecedented success of Black Myth: Wukong, developer Game Science, in a surprise move, revealed their next project: Black Myth: Zhong Kui. This is not a DLC for their recent hit, but a brand-new, single-player action RPG set in the same mythical universe. The stunning cinematic trailer, a testament to the studio’s mastery of Unreal Engine 5, introduced us to a new protagonist and a new legend: Zhong Kui, the legendary Chinese ghost-catcher and judge of the underworld. This announcement is a clear statement of intent from Game Science: they are not a one-hit-wonder, but a studio committed to building a new and exciting series based on the rich, mystical folklore of China.

A New Hero and a New Myth

While the world was expecting more of the Monkey King, Game Science has decided to take us on a new, distinct journey. The titular hero of the new game is Zhong Kui, a deity who, according to Chinese mythology, has the power to command 80,000 demons to fight evil spirits and ghosts. The reveal trailer, a beautifully rendered piece of CGI, showed a dark, grim world where mortals hide from a terrifying parade of demons and supernatural beings. The final shot reveals Zhong Kui, a stern and imposing figure, riding a giant, majestic tiger, a clear symbol of his authority and power. This new protagonist is a fascinating choice, as he provides a stark contrast to the chaotic and playful nature of Sun Wukong. Zhong Kui is a figure of justice, a judge, and a warrior who straddles the line between the mortal world and the underworld. This new focus on a more somber and serious character suggests that the game will explore a new range of themes, from morality and justice to the nature of good and evil. The developers have stated that this new title will have “distinctive experiences and gameplay features” while addressing the “past flaws and regrets” from Wukong. While no gameplay was shown, the commitment to a new hero and a new story is a huge win for the franchise, as it shows that it is not a one-note series but a sprawling universe of Chinese legends to be explored.

Early in Development, But Full of Promise

While the announcement was a major hit, the developers were quick to manage expectations. In a follow-up FAQ on their official website, they confirmed that the project is still in its “early developmental stages” and is currently little more than “an empty folder.” The studio, known for its transparency with the fan base, stated that they announced the game to “report our progress to players on every August 20,” a tradition that they have upheld since the beginning. This is a brilliant and honest approach that has earned them the trust of the gaming community. It also confirms that a release date is still a long way off, with the team saying “even Yocar himself has absolutely no idea” when the game will be ready. However, the announcement of Black Myth: Zhong Kui provides a new reason for fans to be excited about the future of the series. The game is slated to launch on PC and “all mainstream console platforms,” following the same business model as its predecessor. This is great news for fans who have been waiting for a new, high-quality action RPG that is not tied to the “Soulslike” genre but is instead a unique experience that is its own thing.

The reveal of Black Myth: Zhong Kui is a statement, a testament to the ambition of a studio that is not content to simply rest on its laurels. By choosing a new protagonist and a new story, they are showing the world that the “Black Myth” series is an anthology, a sprawling journey through the rich and beautiful folklore of China. The new focus on a more serious and somber character, with a story that revolves around a judge of the underworld, is a tantalizing look into a new, more mature experience. While the wait may be long, the promise of a new, epic adventure with a new hero is more than enough to keep fans excited for what is to come. The journey with the Monkey King has ended, and a new legend is about to begin. The ghosts of the underworld are waiting, and the new judge is about to arrive.