Blood Message, known as Guang in Chinese, is building hype as one of the most promising single-player games from China. Developed by 24 Entertainment, the studio behind Naraka: Bladepoint, this is their first story-driven console and PC title. There’s no mobile version, and no online mode—just a complete solo experience.
Many players have drawn comparisons to Black Myth: Wukong, and that’s not just because of the visuals. The producer of Blood Message, Huer, was listed in Black Myth’s special thanks credits. While it’s unclear how involved he was, the link between the two projects is real.
Set During the Tang Dynasty: Real History, Real Stakes
The game takes place around 850 AD, during the late Tang Dynasty. It focuses on a major conflict involving the Tibetan Empire, also known as Tubo, which captured the key city of Shazhou. Today, that city is known as Dunhuang. This region, located along the Hexi Corridor, played a major role in Silk Road trade at the time.
You play as Zhang Yichao, a legendary general who launched a rebellion to retake the city. After regaining control, he sent ten teams of messengers to Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an) to request reinforcements. Only one team made it. That survivor’s journey is the core of the game.
Cinematic Combat and a Tight, Story-Focused Structure
Blood Message is not open-world. Instead, it follows a focused structure inspired by games like God of War, Tomb Raider, and The Last of Us. Players travel through deserts, ancient cities, and crumbling temples. They engage in stealth segments, direct combat, and scripted set pieces.
The main character is a 40-year-old rebel fighter. He travels with his 14-year-old son, a 35-year-old monk, a 25-year-old woman from the Turk-Mongol minority, and a 35-year-old male ally from the same group. This cast reflects the ethnic diversity of the region at the time and supports the father-son dynamic that drives the narrative.
Combat animations appear sharp and responsive. The settings include historically accurate architecture, such as Tang-era pagodas and preserved murals. Music and lighting help set the tone, shifting from quiet tension to full cinematic action.
Characters, Controversy, and Historical Adjustments
One notable change has caught attention. Instead of focusing on the Tibetan Empire as the central threat, the game introduces a Han general as the main villain. Online reactions suggest this was a deliberate choice, likely due to regional sensitivities.
The developers seem to have adjusted the plot while still honoring the core events. The use of historical clothing, art, and location names shows strong attention to detail. The original Chinese name, Guang, translates to something like “reclaiming the Tang Dynasty,” which aligns more closely with the game’s theme than the Western title Blood Message.
No release year has been announced. The project’s copyright was registered in 2022, and development reportedly began in 2018. That long timeline suggests the game could arrive in a highly polished state.
Blood Message stands out as a grounded, story-driven experience rooted in real events and cultural depth. With a focused structure, rich characters, and cinematic presentation, it offers something rare in today’s action titles. If the final release delivers on its promise, this could mark a major step forward for single-player development in China.
