BYD and Black Myth: Wukong Forge Global Strategic Partnership

October 20th, 2024

On October 20th, BYD announced a global strategic partnership with Black Myth: Wukong, becoming the game's exclusive automotive brand partner.

BYD and Black Myth: Wukong Forge Global Strategic Partnership

BYD and Black Myth: Wukong Forge Global Strategic Partnership

Black Myth: Wukong, hailed as China's first AAA game, surpassed one million sales within its first hour of release. In just three days, global sales exceeded 10 million, with over 3 million concurrent players across all platforms, catapulting it into the ranks of the world’s top single-player games.

On a global scale, BYD has become the world’s top seller of new energy vehicles (NEVs), with its vehicles present in over 95 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. Through continuous technological advancements and product innovations, BYD has emerged as a pioneer in the NEV industry.

Both BYD and Black Myth: Wukong share a similar journey of perseverance—each excelling in their respective industries after years of dedication. BYD and China’s gaming industry have both evolved from humble beginnings to become industry leaders, a success deeply rooted in their commitment to technological advancement.

With over six years of development, Black Myth: Wukong utilizes the industry-leading Unreal Engine 5, achieving world-class standards in graphics and smooth gameplay. The game has been well-received globally, marking a significant breakthrough for China’s AAA games.

Black Myth Promo Graphic

Technological innovation is the DNA of BYD. According to its financial report for the first half of 2024, BYD invested RMB 20.2 billion (about 2.85 billion USD, according to current exchange) in R&D, a 42% year-on-year increase, setting a new record. This investment exceeds its net profit by RMB 6.6 billion (about 0.93 billion USD, according to current exchange). In the same period, BYD ranked first among over 5,300 A-share listed companies in R&D expenditure.

BYD's massive R&D investment has provided it with extensive technological reserves. Its core technologies, including DM technology, Blade Battery, e-Platform 3.0, DiSus Body Control system, and e4 platform, have disrupted the market and addressed user pain points, allowing more consumers to experience the benefits of cutting-edge technology.

Team of BYD Elite Engineers

Team of BYD Elite Engineers

In addition to the online gaming frenzy, Black Myth: Wukong has sparked a tourism boom. To enhance the game’s realism, the development team spent four years scanning over 100 famous landmarks across China. Upon release, the game not only allowed Chinese players to appreciate these historical sites but also ignited a global interest in the "Journey to the West" story, bringing Chinese mythology to the world stage.

In terms of promoting Chinese culture, BYD stands out as the only automaker to name its products after Chinese dynasties, such as Xia, Qin, Han, Tang, and Song. It also draws from traditional elements for technology names, and used Oracle Bone Script as the inspiration for the logo of its premium brand, YANGWANG. Furthermore, BYD has initiated projects such as Dragon Boat to the Olympics and the BYD National Treasure Protection Program, actively contributing to cultural preservation and social responsibility.

As part of their strategic collaboration, BYD and Game Science, the developer of Black Myth: Wukong, have agreed to cooperate on the "Protection of Chinese Relics and National Treasures" initiative. BYD will work with Game Science to digitize historical landmarks for future restoration efforts. In 2024, the two companies will start in Shanxi, a northwest province in China with a history that spans over 5,000 years, where many of the game’s scenes are set, collaborating with local museums to conduct digital scans of national treasures. Future plans for other provinces will be announced to support the preservation of historical assets.

Game Science recreates historical sites through Black Myth: Wukong

Game Science recreates historical sites through Black Myth: Wukong