Official Response: Black Myth: Zhong Kui Reusing Wukong's Audio Is Intentional, Still Exploring

Summary

On August 20, Black Myth: Zhong Kui officially released its first gameplay trailer, drawing attention not only for its combat and visuals but also for sound effects such as drinking potions and perfect dodges. Players noticed that these audio cues bear striking similarities to those from Black Myth: Wukong, seemingly reusing original sound assets from the previous title. In response, Li Jiaqi, the audio director for Black Myth: Wukong and now also responsible for the music of Black Myth: Zhong Kui, addressed the issue in a comment on Weibo. When a player jokingly asked if they were using Wukong's audio to speed up development, Li explained that the reuse was meant to maintain auditory continuity, adding that the team is still exploring. This response clarifies that the similar sound effects are not merely a shortcut but a deliberate effort to preserve sonic characteristics from the predecessor. The statement has sparked lively discussion among players, with some appreciating the consistency and potential IP recognition, while others worry about a lack of innovation and impact on overall quality. From an industry perspective, reusing audio assets across titles is not uncommon in large franchises, but such direct inheritance is relatively rare in Chinese domestic games. It reflects the developer's ongoing exploration of balancing inheritance and innovation in a sequel. This…