What's happened
China's blockbuster video game 'Black Myth: Wukong' is driving economic activity, boosting tourism and gaming hotel bookings. Meanwhile, UK bar chain XP Factory reports record advance bookings for experiential activities like axe throwing and mini golf, reflecting a growing trend in entertainment.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, 'Black Myth: Wukong' has become a cultural phenomenon, driving a 'Wukong economy' that boosts tourism and gaming sectors. The game's success is attributed to its blend of traditional culture and modern technology, as noted by Mandy Zuo and He Huifeng. Meanwhile, The Independent reports that XP Factory's CEO Richard Harpham emphasized the company's record advance bookings and optimistic outlook for the future, stating, 'Our focus on incremental improvements... has helped deliver market leading returns.' This contrast highlights how both sectors are adapting to changing consumer preferences, with gaming driving economic activity in China and experiential entertainment gaining traction in the UK.
How we got here
The release of 'Black Myth: Wukong' has coincided with China's economic recovery efforts amid weak domestic demand. In the UK, XP Factory's growth follows a trend towards experiential entertainment, with consumers seeking unique social activities.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.