(Yicai) Aug. 20 -- Game Science, the Chinese developer of Black Myth: Wukong, has released an announcement trailer for a sequel to its hit action role-playing game exactly one year after launching the original.

The first trailer for Black Myth: Zhong Kui was released at Gamescom Opening Night Live in Cologne earlier today, with Game Science noting that the game is still in early development. Zhong Kui is a figure from Chinese folklore known for his ability to capture and vanquish ghosts and demons.

After the massive success of Black Myth: Wukong, released on Aug. 20 last year, players widely expected that Game Science would immediately begin working on a direct sequel or additional downloadable content. However, the Zhong Kui announcement came as a surprise to many.

"DLC is certainly a good option, but at this moment, we are more inclined to create a new installment of Black Myth -- with a new hero, new gameplay, new visuals, new technology, and a new story," Feng Ji, founder and chief executive of Shenzhen-based Game Science, said on social media today.

The hope is that the sequel could "let loose, boldly experiment, break free from conventions, and start from scratch," Feng noted, while revealing that "Wukong's legend will return in the future in a more complete and solid way, once everything is fully prepared."

Game Science took seven years to develop Black Myth: Wukong. The game, known as China's first AAA game, sold more than 20 million copies on leading digital distribution platform Steam in its first month, a record for single-purchase games in the country, while getting over USD961 million in revenue.

AAA games require long development cycles, making it unrealistic to release sequels within a year, gaming industry analyst Zhang Shule told Yicai. Game Science's decision to go with Zhong Kui allows it to explore a new style while creating a staggered release schedule with Wukong, enabling future alternations in iterations, Zhang added.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Martin Kadiev