Introduction
On August 20, 2024, "Black Myth: Wukong" took the gaming world by storm with its stunning visuals and engaging story. The game quickly sold over 4.5 million copies and reached a peak of 2.2 million concurrent players on Steam. Its popularity has spurred a surge in 3D printed Wukong models and fan-made merchandise, driving up the value of official figurines. As fan creations, like enamel pins and keychains, gain traction, it's important to consider copyright laws to avoid legal issues.
Details
On August 20, 2024, the game "Black Myth: Wukong" made a significant impact in the gaming world, impressing players globally with its stunning visuals, compelling story, and rich cultural depth. By August 21, the game had sold over 4.5 million copies and reached a peak of 2.2 million concurrent players on Steam, ranking second in Steam's history. Goldman Sachs estimates that sales could reach 20 million copies, generating over 5 billion yuan in revenue.The game's popularity has captivated 3D printing enthusiasts who have begun creating intricate models of Wukong, inspired by the character's fearless and powerful image. At the 2024 ChinaJoy anime convention, a cosplayer impressed the audience with a detailed Wukong costume, made using a TuoZhu 3D printer.
As the game gained popularity, 3D models related to "Black Myth: Wukong" began appearing on various 3D model platforms, such as 3D Loli and Makerword, allowing 3D printing enthusiasts to create their Wukong figures. Manufacturers like Creality and others showcased the process of creating these Wukong models and props, with many players sharing their printed creations on social media.
The official Wukong figurines, priced initially at 2,000 yuan, have seen their value skyrocket to nearly 9,000 yuan due to high demand and limited availability. However, some concerns about copyright infringement have arisen as 3D printed Wukong models are being sold without proper authorization.
In an interview, the game's producer, Feng Ji, revealed that many in-game buildings and artifacts were created using 3D scanning technology, with locations in several Chinese provinces serving as inspiration. The game has not only sparked interest in Chinese traditional culture but has also provided a creative outlet for 3D printing enthusiasts.The demand for official figurines has soared, but there's a growing interest in creating fan-made merchandise, like enamel pins or keychains. While making such items for personal use is generally fine, selling them requires careful attention to copyright laws to avoid potential legal issues. This could still be a great opportunity, provided that designs are original and inspired rather than direct copies.