When a major award slip away after a nomination, it's a common sight to plaster on a fixed smile, warmly applaud the winning rival, and then move on. But Game Science CEO Feng Ji and his hit game Black Myth: Wukong had a different story. At The Game Awards on Thursday, Black Myth was defeated by Astro Bot in the Game of the Year category.

The Disappointment and Confusion of a Game's Awards Journey

Initial Nominations and Justified Pride

Black Myth: Wukong's four nominations - Best Action Game, Best Art Direction, Best Game Direction, and Game of the Year - were a groundbreaking moment for a Chinese game. As Feng Ji noted with pride (via machine translation), it was a first. Yet, there was an underlying sense of loss and regret. This was more than just about the award; it was about letting go of certain illusions.

These nominations showed the potential and excellence of Black Myth: Wukong. It was a significant achievement for a game from China to reach such a prestigious stage.

The competition was tough, with all the nominated games being exceptional. But the question of what exactly constituted the criteria for the Game of the Year award remained a mystery.

The Disappointment and Expectation

Feng Ji expressed his disappointment and confusion at the GOTY loss. He had written an acceptance speech two years ago, clearly expecting the top prize. The journey to the final six nominees showed that the Game Science team had a good understanding of the criteria.

Black Myth: Wukong is notable as the first Western-style, AAA console game production from China. If winning at The Game Awards was part of the plan, they seemed to be on the right track.

However, the reality of not getting the coveted award hit hard. Feng Ji saw a lot of strong dissatisfaction and frustration in players' comments, which he both understood and shared.

The Online Persona and Controversy

Feng Ji's unfiltered posting has led to some controversy. Last year, there were reports of a culture of sexism surrounding the game, with crude and sexist language in his social media posts.

But his passionate outspokenness is also part of his online persona and what excites Black Myth's fans. His post may seem like sour grapes, but it could also be a deliberate act with a desired effect.

It's a complex situation that showcases the challenges and emotions in the world of game awards and online presence.