Influencers covering "Black Myth: Wukong" have been requested not to mention "feminist propaganda" in their content

Game Science, the developer behind Black Myth: Wukong, has faced criticism due to a document distributed to streamers and content creators. This document requested that any coverage of the game exclude references to COVID-19, political topics, and feminist themes.

An initial online leak of the document led to speculation about its authenticity, as some journalists noted it did not align with materials given to official game reviewers. This sparked suggestions that the document might be counterfeit.

Nevertheless, further examination by VideoGames.si along with confirmation from Forbes journalist Paul Tassi verified its legitimacy. The marketers from Hero Games circulated the document on behalf of Game Science.

According to the document, by utilizing the game key and generating content, influencers agree to follow specific guidelines, which encourage them to "enjoy the game" but refrain from actions such as insulting others, using offensive content, and involving topics like "politics, violence, nudity, feminist propaganda, fetishisation, and other content that instigates negative discourse."

Additionally, content creators were advised against using certain "trigger words" such as quarantine, isolation, or COVID-19, and were discouraged from discussing "content related to China's game industry policies, opinions, news, etc."

Game Science and Hero Games have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

This list of guidelines emerges following previous allegations of sexism in recruitment and social media activity against Game Science last year.

Back in 2013, Yang Qi, the studio's co-founder and lead artist, posted on Weibo discussing his views that games for men and women differ because of inherent biological distinctions.