It’s almost a guarantee that any random Chinese person knows the story of the Journey to the West, the legendary tale of Wukong and his companions. As one of China’s Four Great Classic Novels, it’s practically a required reading, and its iconic 1986 television adaptation remains one of the most-watched programs in the country’s history.

But it wasn’t until 2024, when the Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong became a massive hit, that the Monkey King truly broke into the international zeitgeist. At launch, the game pulled in over two million concurrent players, turning Chinese mythology into a global talking point overnight. Late last year, the follow-up RPG title Black Myth: Zhong Kui was announced, promising an even grander fantasy epic.

Part of Black Myth’s appeal lies not only in its intricate gameplay and storytelling, but also in its immersive soundtrack, guiding players through the world of Chinese folklore. Now, Black Myth is finally getting the symphony orchestra world tour it deserves. Co-produced with Poly Performing Arts, the concert brings Monkey King’s journey to life through an arrangement of traditional Chinese instruments, featuring original vocalists from the game. The program will also include works by composer Xu Jingping, best known for scoring the beloved 1986 TV adaptation of Journey to the West.

After a hugely successful tour across China last year, Black Myth is taking the production overseas, with performances planned across Asia, the United States, and Europe. As an added treat for die-hard fans, select venues will offer limited-edition memorabilia bundled with all tickets. But the real surprise is the encore, which is set to feature a teaser theme for Black Myth: Zhong Kui, offering an early glimpse at what could be the franchise’s next global phenomenon.

Images via Game Science.