**Interview with Taiwanese Writer Chang Ta-chun: The Rise of Sun Wukong and the Search for the Next Major Intellectual Property**
By Lu Mei
China News Service, September 12, Beijing
Since its release, the action role-playing game “Black Myth: Wukong” has captivated gamers worldwide. Over recent decades, adaptations of the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West” have thrived, with Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, enchanting audiences across television, film, and animation. Now, as the game’s central character, Sun Wukong’s popularity has surged to new heights. What makes “Black Myth: Wukong” so irresistible? What is the lasting appeal of classic Chinese literature? Is there potential for the next big intellectual property (IP) just waiting to be discovered? Taiwanese writer Chang Ta-chun shared his thoughts with us.
**China News Service (CNS): Can you give us an overview of “Black Myth: Wukong”? I hear you’re enjoying it with your son. How has your experience been so far?**
**Chang Ta-chun:** “Journey to the West” has inspired countless films and plays, even influencing Akira Toriyama’s iconic manga “Dragon Ball,” where Sun Wukong takes center stage. In 2023, I worked with historical research by scholar Qian Wenzhong to reinterpret this classic story through an innovative storytelling approach. The game introduces elements that exceed what we typically see in films and other blockbuster entertainment.
“Black Myth: Wukong” can be seen as a non-textual sequel to “Journey to the West,” referencing original content. At the game’s outset, Sun Wukong faces defeat against Yang Jian, leading to the scattering of his “six senses” across various regions. As the “chosen ones,” players must recover these six treasures and confront a crucial question: upon fully resurrecting Wukong, will he embrace the path of the victorious Buddha and affirm the enlightenment of Buddhist faith, or will he return to his untamed roots as a free-spirited monkey in the Water Curtain Cave? The interplay between Sun Wukong and Yang Jian opens up rich discussions about friendship and rivalry.
**CNS: What distinguishes “Black Myth: Wukong” from other modern interpretations of “Journey to the West”?**
**Chang Ta-chun:** The original “Journey to the West” is a continuous quest narrative. The Tang Monk and his three disciples face numerous challenges, but many of the stories can feel repetitive—a monster tries to eat the monk, and Wukong swoops in for the rescue, aided by divine beings. This repetition can be tiresome, yet it keeps us engaged, wondering if the Monkey King will truly unleash his extraordinary powers.
In contrast, “Black Myth: Wukong” presents a Sun Wukong who possesses autonomous awareness and conscious will, adding a fresh twist to the narrative. The game resonates with cultural undertones, addressing the tension between wildness and authority.
In the game’s opening, Wukong chooses “death” even though he could live without a life record. This decision reflects his desire to transfer his sensory experiences and potential enlightenment to another being. Essentially, Wukong is on a quest to find another wild monkey like himself. This cultural exploration invites younger players to engage their imaginations as they navigate different choices.
A clever aspect of the game is the concept of “I” as a participant. Players become the “chosen ones,” tasked with resurrecting Sun Wukong—not just to attain incredible power but to make meaningful choices. The narrative encourages players to reflect on cultural dilemmas rather than presenting clear-cut right or wrong paths. I’m fascinated by how “Black Myth: Wukong” captures the spirit of “Journey to the West.”
**CNS: “Black Myth: Wukong” represents a successful blend of classic cultural IPs with modern gaming. Can this success be replicated? Is there potential for another breakout IP?**
**Chang Ta-chun:** The four classic Chinese novels carry immense cultural weight. Throughout history, many stories of heroism and adventure have circulated, but none quite compare to these four. Their lasting appeal lies in their unique emotional narratives. For example, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” places history in the context of a fallen dynasty, while “Water Margin” finds valor in rejected characters.
A story grows influential when told from a distinct viewpoint. Tragedy resonates by revealing the suffering of noble souls—something Shakespeare excelled at. “Black Myth: Wukong” gained traction due in part to its focus on personal choice. Players are initially captivated by stunning visuals, but what keeps them invested is an emotional connection.
In that sense, an IP can resemble figures discussed by Hu Shi, where popularity lends its narrative greater acceptance. Every IP experiences transformation and reinterpretation, becoming a vehicle that carries multiple layers of meaning. The fusion of classic literature with gaming signifies a remarkable cultural synthesis that is increasingly valuable.
While we shouldn’t expect an “After Journey to the West” to emerge, we can anticipate groundbreaking games that add new layers to cultural narratives. True success isn’t about mimicking past works; it’s about genuine creativity and meaningful storytelling that resonates with audiences. With the right approach, even something like “Dream of the Red Chamber” could win the hearts of many.
**CNS: It has been reported that many talents from Taiwan contributed to the development team of “Black Myth: Wukong.” What are your thoughts on cross-strait collaboration and our shared cultural heritage?**
**Chang Ta-chun:** I believe that collaboration between the mainland and Taiwan is entirely natural and necessary. Whether it’s engineers from Taiwan joining teams on the mainland or vice versa, this phenomenon should be encouraged. The idea of “two sides of one family” embodies this spirit. Holding onto ideological biases only distracts from the real issues. Collaboratively preserving Chinese culture across the strait is both important and legitimate.
**Interviewee Profile:**
Chang Ta-chun is a Taiwanese writer originally from Jinan, Shandong. He is celebrated for his storytelling, calligraphy, and poetry. With a master’s degree in Chinese literature from Fu Jen Catholic University, he has taught at various institutions and currently hosts a program on News98 radio. His body of work includes acclaimed titles and series such as “Listening to Father,” “Recognizing Few Characters,” and “My Old Taipei.”
