"Black Myth: Wukong" Game Takes the World by Storm, Sparking a Wave of 3D Printed Wukong Figurines at Street Stalls

PanDen 2024-8-22 23:45 Application

On August 20, 2024, a dazzling new star burst onto the gaming scene—"Black Myth: Wukong”. With its breathtaking visuals, riveting narrative, and profound cultural significance, the game has rapidly gained global popularity, captivating the attention of players worldwide. As of the evening of August 21, “Black Myth: Wukong” has surpassed 4.5 million copies sold, with a peak concurrent player count exceeding 2.2 million, placing it second in the history of peak online users on Steam. Goldman Sachs(高盛) projects the game could sell up to 20 million copies, generating over 5 billion CNY in revenue.

As the excitement surrounding “Black Myth: Wukong” continues to build, a growing number of 3D printing enthusiasts have been deeply inspired by the fearless and mighty image of Wukong in the game. Seizing their 3D printers, they have channeled their love and creativity into crafting exquisite Wukong models, each a testament to their admiration for the game.

A Frenzy in the 3D Printing Community

△The Wukong model was 3D printed by panda3dp.com using the Bambu Lab A1 Mini.

At the 2024 ChinaJoy Anime Expo held this past July, “Black Myth: Wukong” cosplay already drew massive crowds, with onlookers stopping to marvel at the impressive craftsmanship and dedication of the cosplayers. Notably, the costume and staff wielded by the cosplayer "Mogai, Lao K" were produced using a Bambu Lab 3D printer.

Whenever a major IP catches fire, the 3D printing community is swift to respond. On several major 3D model platforms, “Black Myth: Wukong” related models have been steadily uploaded. Platforms like 3D Liuliu(3D溜溜), Creative Cloud(创想云), and Makerworld have become repositories for these models, ready to be downloaded and printed by those with access to 3D printers.

Manufacturers such as Creality(创想三维) and SunLu(三绿) have also showcased the process of creating Wukong models and props using 3D printing, while numerous 3D printing enthusiasts have taken to social media to proudly display their printed creations.

△Creatity produced Wukong three-piece set

△Tronxy 3D printing(创星元3d打印) showcased their 3D-printed Wukong model on social media.

△Shanzao 3D (闪造三维) showcased their 3D-printed Wukong model on social media.

In an interview with “Black Myth: Wukong” producer Feng Ji, he revealed that many of the game’s buildings and artifacts were modeled through real-life 3D scanning, with locations spanning provinces such as Zhejiang, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Tianjin, Hebei, Anhui, Guizhou, and Fujian.

Official Figurine Prices Skyrocket from 2,000 to 9,000 CNY

It has come to light that the official limited-edition Wukong figurines from Game Science are of such high quality that the original 2,000 CNY price tag for the collectible has surged to nearly 9,000 CNY in the resale market.

One netizen mentioned to panda3dp.com, “It’s almost certain that the figurines were developed using 3D printing, although the company remains secretive about their production process. A total of 10,000 units were sold, generating tens of millions in revenue. Given the scale, there’s no guarantee of a re-release, but given the exceptional level of detail in these figurines, it’s highly likely we’ll see new characters or additional accessories in the future. This studio has made a fortune.”

Panda3dp.com has also observed that a large number of Chinese 3D printing "farmers" (see 3D printing farm summaries at https://www.nanjixiong.com.com/forum-250-1.html) are now mass-printing Wukong figurines; some have even begun selling them at street stalls for several hundred CNY a piece.

However, it is important to note that models downloaded for personal use do not come with commercial rights. While printing Wukong figures for personal enjoyment is acceptable, selling them in large quantities requires careful attention to copyright law.

One 3D printing enthusiast remarked, ““Black Myth: Wukong” has introduced me to the captivating allure of traditional Chinese culture. Through 3D printing, I can bring my personal vision of Wukong to life, which is an immensely fulfilling experience.”

These 3D-printed Wukong models have not only become cherished collectibles for enthusiasts but have also sparked widespread discussion and admiration on social media. Netizens have been astounded by the artistry and craftsmanship, showering these creations with likes and comments. The runaway success of “Black Myth: Wukong” has provided 3D printing enthusiasts with a vast canvas for their creative expression. Looking ahead, the intersection of 3D printing and gaming promises even more delightful surprises and moments of awe.