In an era dominated by the digital renaissance of storytelling, the profound transformations of classical narratives offer a compelling window into cultural shifts and identity renegotiation. A recent groundbreaking study, authored by Zhang J. and Zhou Z., delves into the burgeoning adaptations of the timeless Chinese epic “Journey to the West” and its intricate interplay with contemporary Chinese youth culture, with a particular focus on the sensational video game “Black Myth: Wukong.” This exploration transcends mere fandom, embedding itself deeply within the framework of Cultural Empowerment Theory, which posits that culture acts as a battleground and vehicle for power dynamics, identity construction, and social negotiations.
Central to this inquiry is the concept of “Thick Power,” articulated by Zhang and Zhou as a nuanced, layered form of influence permeating through cultural texts that engage audiences beyond superficial entertainment to foster profound socio-cultural resonance and empowerment. Unlike traditional hegemonic power that relies on overt dominance, Thick Power operates through the interweaving of deep cultural knowledge, collective memory, and evolving identity embodiments. It is in this complex lattice of meaning and interaction that the adaptations of “Journey to the West” assume transformative potency.
The classic narrative of “Journey to the West,” dating back to the 16th century Ming dynasty, chronicles the mythical pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang and his companions, notably the Monkey King Sun Wukong, embodying virtues, vices, struggles, and ultimate enlightenment. This foundational mythos has enjoyed countless renditions across literature, theater, film, and now digital media, wherein each iteration reconfigures its essence to resonate with contemporary ethos. “Black Myth: Wukong,” a cutting-edge action role-playing game, reanimates these ancient archetypes with hyper-realistic visuals and immersive storytelling, merging traditional lore with modern aesthetics.
What Zhang and Zhou reveal through their meticulous ethnographic and media analysis is the layered dialogue between the game and Chinese youth, who navigate their own lived realities framed by rapid modernization, global interconnectedness, and persistent cultural pride. The game emerges less as a simple adaptation and more as a participatory cultural event. Chinese youth engage with “Black Myth: Wukong” not only as a form of escapism but as a medium through which to reassert cultural heritage in a digitized global landscape. This dynamic echoes the core of Cultural Empowerment Theory, wherein cultural productions become sites for active identity formation and contestation against homogenizing forces.
Technically, the study employs a mixed-methods approach combining close textual analysis of game elements and narratives with qualitative data sourced from online forums, player interviews, and social media discourses. Such methodical layering allows the researchers to capture the multi-dimensional ways that knowledge and power are circulated and reconstituted. The application of Thick Power as an analytical lens demonstrates how cultural texts do not merely reflect social realities but actively shape and mobilize communities, invoking a form of collective agency rooted in historical consciousness and imaginative re-creation.
One significant insight arises from the depiction of Sun Wukong within the game environment. Here, Wukong’s characterization straddles fidelity to the original epic and innovative reinterpretation. His rebellious spirit, supernatural abilities, and complex morality are reconfigured to appeal to a generation grappling with cultural hybridity. Zhang and Zhou argue this dual representation fosters identification and empowerment by enabling players to see reflections of their own aspirations and struggles within the mythic persona. This resonates strongly with how cultural memory adapts to maintain vitality across temporal ruptures.
Furthermore, the study highlights the impact of technological advancements in video game design on cultural transmission. The photorealistic graphics, sophisticated AI-driven interactions, and immersive world-building afford players a heightened sensory and emotional involvement that traditional media cannot replicate. This technological mediation is pivotal in translating ancient narratives into compelling, interactive experiences that sustain cultural relevance. It also aligns with the broader movement of cultural commons digitization, where heritage is democratically accessed, appropriated, and reinvented through digital platforms.
Beyond cultural identity, Zhang and Zhou’s research touches on geopolitics and the assertion of soft power through cultural exports. “Black Myth: Wukong” exemplifies China’s strategic use of indigenous narratives in digital entertainment to elevate its cultural footprint globally, competing with Western-dominated media. The game’s international success signals a form of cultural empowerment on a national scale, reaffirming the significance of traditional stories as living assets that negotiate global cultural circuits and contribute to a multipolar world narrative ecology.
Importantly, the study also critiques the commodification risk inherent in such adaptations, warning of the potential dilution of cultural meanings when narratives become mere products for mass consumption. Yet, Thick Power offers a conceptual safeguard, illustrating how empowered cultural engagement by grassroots consumers and creators can counterbalance and recontextualize commercial imperatives. This dynamic interplay offers fertile ground for future research into how digital cultures negotiate authenticity and agency.
Zhang and Zhou’s comprehensive investigation concludes with a call for interdisciplinary frameworks that integrate cultural studies, media theory, anthropology, and game studies to decipher the complexities of cultural empowerment in the digital age. The traditional boundaries between producer and consumer blur, engendering participatory cultures where narratives are continuously co-created. Such frameworks are essential for understanding how cultural heritage remains vibrant, adaptable, and politically potent within evolving technological landscapes.
This study contributes decisively to the discourse on cultural adaptation, empowerment, and digital media’s role in shaping societal identities. It underscores the necessity of appreciating cultural narratives not as static artifacts but as living, malleable forces that negotiate power, identity, and community in ever-dynamic ways. The intersection of “Journey to the West” and “Black Myth: Wukong” thus stands as a testament to the enduring and transformative power of myth in contemporary digital culture.
As China’s cultural industries continue to expand and innovate, the implications of this research resonate far beyond academic spheres. It offers a blueprint for understanding how traditional culture can be leveraged not just for entertainment but for broader socio-political empowerment, inspiring analogous studies worldwide. The blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology encoded in “Black Myth: Wukong” exemplifies a powerful narrative strategy that can redefine cultural self-perception and global cultural positioning.
In closing, Zhang and Zhou’s investigation illuminates a vital cultural phenomenon: the dynamic re-empowerment of myth through interactive media. Their articulation of Thick Power provides an insightful conceptual tool to comprehend how digital adaptations catalyze cultural resurgence and sociopolitical empowerment among youth. This work sets a new standard for researching cultural modernization and opens exciting avenues for future scholarship at the nexus of technology, tradition, and identity.
Subject of Research:
The study focuses on the adaptations of the Chinese classic “Journey to the West” and their interaction with Chinese youth culture through the video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” analyzed through the lens of Cultural Empowerment Theory and the concept of Thick Power.
Article Title:
Thick Power: the adaptations of Journey to the West and the interaction between the Chinese youth and Black Myth: Wukong from the perspective of Cultural Empowerment Theory.
Article References:
Zhang, J., Zhou, Z. Thick Power: the adaptations of Journey to the West and the interaction between the Chinese youth and Black Myth: Wukong from the perspective of Cultural Empowerment Theory. Int. j. anthropol. ethnol. 9, 6 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41257-025-00129-7
Image Credits:
AI Generated
DOI:
25 April 2025
