Before the emergence of titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Phantom Blade: Zero, there was The Scroll of Taiwu, a Chinese indie game that has captivated millions since its early access debut on Steam in 2018. Now, after an extensive eight-year journey, it has reached its 1.0 release, marking a significant milestone in a time when Chinese-developed games have surged in popularity.
The Scroll of Taiwu distinguishes itself from the action-packed titles that dominate the gaming landscape. Instead of fast-paced combat, players embark on an immersive journey steeped in Chinese mythology. Leye “Yager” Yu, the game’s publishing advisor, candidly acknowledges that the initial hours of gameplay may feel slow, particularly for those unfamiliar with the cultural backdrop. However, he assures that once players become invested, they are likely to remain engaged for the long haul.
Yager describes The Scroll of Taiwu as a unique blend of Crusader Kings 2, Kenshi, and Baldur’s Gate. Players traverse an expansive open world, honing martial arts skills, interacting with diverse characters, managing towns, and navigating conflicts that shape the game’s future. The depth of simulation has fostered a vibrant community, with players exchanging strategies and insights on the dedicated Discord server.
Going big
Despite its success among Chinese gamers, the absence of English localization posed a barrier for Western audiences. With over 5 million words in its script, translating the game in its entirety proved daunting for dedicated fans. The recent full release has introduced English localization, albeit still a work in progress. Yager hopes this development will invite a broader audience to explore the game’s rich tapestry of Wuxia and Chinese mythology.
This move comes at a time when interest in Chinese-developed games is on the rise, fueled by the remarkable success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong and a growing influx of Chinese games on platforms like Steam. Yager believes that The Scroll of Taiwu can leverage this momentum to reach new players.
While the game may not yet dominate the Steam charts, it stands as a testament to the rich history and culture that many Chinese developers infuse into their creations—an experience that has often eluded Western gamers, especially in comparison to the accessibility of Japanese games. Yager acknowledges the challenges of marketing a game like The Scroll of Taiwu outside of China, yet he remains optimistic that its striking art and compelling characters will attract interest.
Something special
Initially hesitant to publish the game due to its complex systems, Yager has personally invested over 1,200 hours into The Scroll of Taiwu. His belief in the project is unwavering, despite having to temper the development team’s enthusiasm for adding even more features. He describes creator Zheng Jie as a “stubborn guy,” whose determination has resulted in a game that is both unique and richly layered, filled with mechanics, narrative depth, and joy for players.
Looking ahead, Yager aims to raise awareness of The Scroll of Taiwu through collaborations with streamers and organic word-of-mouth promotion. He understands that it may take time for English-speaking players to discover the game, but he is confident that its appeal will eventually shine through. In the meantime, the developers are focused on addressing bugs and enhancing the English localization post-launch.
As a devoted fan of Wuxia, Yager reflects on his journey with The Scroll of Taiwu, stating that if he were to create his own game, it would likely mirror this one. Having been part of the community for eight years, he takes pride in supporting the developers of a game that has inspired not only him but also a new generation of indie game creators in China. “This game didn’t just inspire the indie game developers in China,” he remarks, “it shows that if you create something deeply engaging and focused, success is within reach.”