Cultural and Creative Industries and Economic Development: An Analysis Using the Cases of “Black Myth: Wu Kong” and Dunhuang Museum

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-458-7_5How to use a DOI?

Keywords

cultural and creative industries (CCI); economic development; cultural preservation; global market integration

Abstract

Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) have emerged as key drivers of economic growth in the global economy, leveraging creativity, technology, and cultural heritage to create substantial economic value. The importance of CCI lies in its dual capacity to generate revenue and foster cultural preservation, often bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. This paper delves into the role of CCI in promoting economic development, particularly examining the innovative approaches within China’s cultural economy.

China has effectively harnessed the power of CCI, demonstrating how cultural assets can be transformed into significant economic resources. A notable example is the video game Black Myth: Wu Kong, which has gained international acclaim for its rich cultural narrative and cutting-edge technology. Based on the Chinese classic Journey to the West, the game not only entertains but also educates global audiences about Chinese mythology, creating a unique cultural export. By embedding traditional stories within a modern gaming platform, the game exemplifies how cultural products can achieve both market success and cultural resonance, reaching diverse global audiences.

Additionally, the Dunhuang Museum’s cultural products serve as an exemplary case of blending historical significance with contemporary appeal. Through collaborations with various brands, the museum has reimagined traditional motifs for modern consumers, offering products that range from fashion accessories to tech gadgets inspired by Dunhuang art. These products are not merely souvenirs; they are carefully crafted items that allow consumers to engage with Chinese heritage in their daily lives. Such initiatives underscore the potential of CCI to transcend mere commodification and become a medium for cultural exchange and preservation.

This research highlights the multifaceted contributions of CCI. Firstly, these industries are vital for economic development, generating jobs and encouraging investment. They offer a competitive edge in the global market, especially as demand for culturally enriched experiences grows. Secondly, CCI supports cultural preservation by repurposing heritage assets in innovative formats that resonate with contemporary audiences. The ability to reinterpret traditional elements within new technologies or mediums ensures that cultural heritage remains relevant and accessible, fostering a global appreciation for diversity in cultural expressions.

Based on these insights, the paper suggests strategies for policymakers and industry leaders to capitalize on CCI’s potential. Key recommendations include strengthening cross-sector collaboration to facilitate resource sharing and co-creation across different cultural and technological domains. Additionally, enhancing market strategies to support internationalization and sustain competitiveness in CCI is essential. Encouraging sustainable practices in the production and distribution of cultural products can also amplify their impact, ensuring that they contribute positively to the economy without compromising cultural integrity. These measures can significantly bolster the growth trajectory of CCI, transforming them into cornerstones of both economic and cultural vitality.

Through targeted policies and strategic support, CCI can continue to thrive as a powerful force in the modern economy, bridging the past and present while shaping a globally interconnected future. This paper thus offers a comprehensive analysis of CCI’s role and potential, emphasizing the need for continued innovation and sustainable practices to maximize their contributions to both the economy and society.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Xinyue Li
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/08/30
TI  - Cultural and Creative Industries and Economic Development: An Analysis Using the Cases of “Black Myth: Wu Kong” and Dunhuang Museum
BT  - Proceedings of the 2025 International Conference on Global Cultural and Creative Industries (ICGCCI 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 94
EP  - 113
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-458-7_5
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-458-7_5
ID  - Li2025
ER  -