Shanghai (ZXZC)- On October 20, BYD announced a global strategic partnership with the popular Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong, becoming its exclusive automotive brand partner.

Hailed as China's first AAA video game, Black Myth: Wukong has made a remarkable impact, selling over one million copies within its first hour of release. Within three days, its global sales surpassed 10 million, with over three million concurrent players across all platforms.

Photo credit: BYD

BYD noted that the success stories of both China's automotive and gaming industries share similar paths—from humble beginnings to becoming industry leaders—both driven by deep technical expertise. Black Myth: Wukong took over six years to develop and utilizes the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5, delivering world-class graphics and smooth gameplay. Its success has garnered widespread global acclaim, breaking the monopoly of AAA games traditionally dominated by international studios.

BYD's commitment to innovation is evident in its emphasis on technology. According to its 2024 semi-annual financial report, BYD's R&D investment reached 20.2 billion yuan in this period, a 42% surge compared to the previous year, setting a new record. This figure even exceeds the company's net profit by approximately 6.6 billion yuan. It has boasted key technological advancements include its proprietary DM technology, Blade Battery, ePplatform 3.0, Disus Body Control system, and e⁴ platform.

Beyond its online success, Black Myth: Wukong has also sparked interest in cultural tourism. To enhance realism, the game's production team spent four years scanning over 100 historic sites across China using advanced technology. After the game's release, it not only allowed Chinese players to appreciate the beauty of these sites but also triggered a global fascination with the Journey to the West mythos, further spreading Chinese culture overseas.

In promoting Chinese culture, BYD said it stands out as the only automaker to name its vehicle models after Chinese dynasties, such as Xia, Qin, Han, Tang, and Song. The logo of the company's premium brand logo, YANGWANG, is inspired by ancient oracle bone script. Additionally, BYD has launched initiatives like “Dragon Boat to the Olympics” and the “the BYD National Treasure Protection Program” to actively support cultural preservation.

As part of this strategic partnership, BYD and Game Science, the studio behind Black Myth: Wukong, have agreed to collaborate on the protection of China's cultural heritage and national treasures. BYD will work with Game Science to digitize historical sites, providing valuable data for future restoration efforts. In 2024, the partnership will begin in Shanxi province, where much of the game's scenery was filmed, partnering with local museums to digitally scan national treasures. Further plans to expand the project to other provinces will be announced, contributing to the preservation of China's cultural assets.