Why Game Science Said No to Sweet Baby Inc.’s Meddling in Black Myth: Wukong

According to reports from Chinese media, Game Science, the studio behind the upcoming Black Myth Wukong, turned down Sweet Baby Inc.’s consultancy services due to an alleged $7 million price tag.

The developers believed that taking services from such agenda-driven consultancy could compromise their creative vision and lead to forced inclusivity that might not align with the game’s setting and source material.

What is Sweet Baby Inc., and what do they do?

Sweet Baby Inc. has emerged as a prominent consultancy in the gaming industry, known for advising developers on “inclusivity and diversity” in their projects.

Their mission is to promote representation across various demographics (Blacks in Whites or Whites in Blacks, Women, LGBTQ) in video games.

However, their methods and the impact of their involvement have become subjects of intense debate among gamers and industry insiders.

Does Sweet Baby Inc. Goes Too Far?

While diversity and representation are laudable goals, many argue that Sweet Baby Inc. goes too far in forcing its agenda on developers.

Their “one-size-fits-all” approach often fails to consider the unique cultural contexts of different games, leading to changes in the game’s narrative and character design.

Sweet Baby Inc. is also criticized for a lack of passion for the projects it influences.

Some see their involvement as little more than a box-checking exercise, rather than a genuine effort to enrich gaming experiences.

Hype for Black Myth Wukong Is Real

Black Myth: Wukong is an upcoming action RPG scheduled for release on August 20, 2024, for PS5, PC, and later for Xbox Series X/S.

The game is inspired by “Journey to the West,” which is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature where you get to play Sun Wukong, also known as The Monkey King.

Armed with a magical staff, he sets out to travel the world in search of the Tao and faces various formidable foes.

Therefore, Black Myth: Wukong is a game rooted heavily in Chinese Mythology, leaving very little scope for Sweet Baby to interfere with its storyline and characters.

It’s currently the most wish-listed title on Steam, reflecting high anticipation from the gaming community.