Black Myth: wukong Merchandise Sells Out Rapidly, Signaling Booming IP derivative Market in China
When the Tmall store for Black Myth: Wukong merchandise opened on January 15, 2025, fans wasted no time in snapping up the highly anticipated products. Over 30 items, including dolls, accessories, and other derivative goods, were available. however, just three days later, many of these items had sold out, leaving only 24 products in stock. For some remaining items, the estimated delivery time was extended to “within 90 days,” a testament to the overwhelming demand.
Despite mixed reviews—some consumers criticized the merchandise as “to expensive” or “poor quality”—the enthusiasm for Black Myth: Wukong branded products remained undiminished. Such as, more than 500 people purchased an item priced at CNY499 (USD68) within the first three days of the store’s launch.
This surge in demand aligns with Game Science’s recent announcement that it is partnering with Hangzhou-based Alibaba’s intellectual property operation management and commercialization platforms to bolster the game’s brand influence in the IP derivative market.The Shenzhen-based developer is also forming a dedicated team to design, produce, and market Black Myth merchandise, signaling a strategic push into this lucrative sector.
The success of Black Myth: Wukong merchandise reflects a broader trend in China’s rapidly expanding derivatives market. as the spending power of young people born after 2000 grows, the demand for licensed products based on animation, comics, and games is skyrocketing.According to estimates by the Qianzhan Industry Research Institute and the Zhejiang securities Research Institute, the scale of China’s animation, comics, and games’ derivatives industry is expected to surge more than two-and-a-half times by 2029, reaching CNY590 billion (USD80.6 billion) with an annual compound growth rate of 18 percent.
Key Insights at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Metric | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Merchandise Launch Date | January 15, 2025 |
| Initial Products Available | Over 30 items |
| Products Sold Out | Within 3 days |
| Top-Selling Item | CNY499 (USD68) item, purchased by over 500 people |
| Market Growth Projection | CNY590 billion (USD80.6 billion) by 2029, with 18% annual growth rate |
The rapid sell-out of Black Myth: Wukong merchandise underscores the game’s cultural impact and the growing appetite for high-quality IP derivatives in China. As Game Science continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on this booming market.
For fans eager to get their hands on the next wave of Black Myth: Wukong products, staying tuned to the official Tmall store is a must. With the dedicated team at Game Science working tirelessly to meet demand, the future of Black Myth merchandise looks brighter than ever.
The Rise of IP Derivatives: How Black Myth: Wukong Merchandise is Shaping China’s Booming Market
The recent sell-out of Black Myth: Wukong merchandise on Tmall has sparked global interest in China’s rapidly growing IP derivative market. Over 30 items, including dolls, accessories, and other branded goods, were launched on January 15, 2025, only to be snapped up within days. This success highlights not only the cultural impact of the highly anticipated game but also the increasing demand for high-quality licensed products in China.To delve deeper into this phenomenon,senior Editor Michael Carter of World-Today-News sits down with Dr. Li Wei, a leading expert on China’s digital entertainment and IP derivative markets.
The Phenomenal Success of Black Myth: Wukong Merchandise
Michael Carter: Dr.Li, the Black Myth: Wukong merchandise sold out in just three days.What does this say about the game’s cultural appeal?
Dr. Li Wei: The rapid sell-out is a testament to the game’s massive cultural resonance. Black Myth: Wukong is based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, which has deep roots in Chinese culture. by modernizing this story with cutting-edge visuals and gameplay, the developers at Game Science have successfully captured the inventiveness of both older and younger audiences. The merchandise, which includes dolls and accessories, allows fans to engage with the IP beyond the game itself, creating a deeper emotional connection.
The Growing Demand for IP Derivatives in China
Michael Carter: The article mentions that China’s IP derivative market is expected to reach CNY590 billion by 2029. What’s driving this growth?
Dr. li Wei: The growth is fueled by several factors. Frist, the post-2000 generation in China has significant spending power and a strong affinity for pop culture, particularly animation, comics, and games. Second, companies like Alibaba have streamlined the production and distribution of licensed products, making it easier for consumers to access them. there’s a growing trend of “emotional consumption,” where people buy products not just for their utility but for the emotional value tied to their favorite characters and stories.
The Role of Game Science in the IP derivative market
Michael Carter: game Science is partnering with Alibaba to expand its brand influence. How significant is this collaboration?
Dr. Li Wei: This partnership is a strategic move by Game Science to solidify its position in the IP derivative market. Alibaba’s expertise in e-commerce and IP management will help the company reach a broader audience and ensure a steady supply of high-quality merchandise. Additionally, Game Science’s decision to form a dedicated team for merchandise design and production shows its commitment to meeting fan expectations and capitalizing on this lucrative sector.
challenges and Opportunities in the Market
Michael carter: Despite the success, some consumers criticized the merchandise as “too expensive” or “poor quality.” What challenges does this pose for the industry?
Dr. Li Wei: Quality control and pricing are ongoing challenges. While fans are willing to pay a premium for licensed products, they also expect high quality. companies need to strike a balance between cost and craftsmanship to maintain consumer trust. On the flip side,these challenges present opportunities for innovation. As an example, using sustainable materials or incorporating advanced technologies like AR could enhance the value of these products and justify higher prices.
The Future of Black Myth: wukong and the IP Derivative Market
Michael Carter: What does the future hold for Black Myth: Wukong and the broader IP derivative market?
Dr. Li Wei: The future looks incredibly promising. As the game’s release date approaches, we can expect even more demand for related merchandise.For the broader market, the trend of integrating IPs into various industries—fashion, entertainment, and even education—will continue to grow. By 2029, we’re likely to see a more mature and diversified market, with companies leveraging technology and storytelling to create even more engaging products.
Michael Carter: Thank you, Dr. Li, for these insightful perspectives. It’s clear that Black Myth: Wukong is not just a game but a cultural phenomenon driving significant economic and social trends in China.
Dr. Li Wei: Thank you, Michael. It’s an exciting time for both the gaming industry and the IP derivative market, and I’m eager to see how this space evolves.
