The latest Chinese PC gaming hit is an indie game that spent the last 8 years growing into something you’ve never played before
The Scroll of Taiwu, a Chinese indie game, has officially reached version 1.0 after eight years in early access on Steam. Originally launching in 2018, the game has quietly attracted millions of players and represents a significant milestone in Chinese-developed gaming before the recent international success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Phantom Blade: Zero.
Unlike the action-heavy competitors that have recently gained prominence, The Scroll of Taiwu takes a different approach to game design. The game is not an action title and lacks the soulslike mechanics that have become popular in Chinese gaming. Instead, it draws heavily on Chinese mythology and features its own unique gameplay identity.
According to the game’s publishing advisor Leye “Yager” Yu, the opening hours present a significant barrier to entry. Yu acknowledges that “the first two hours of gameplay is kind of boring,” representing a deliberate design choice that tests player commitment. However, those who persist through this initial period reportedly find themselves deeply invested in the game’s systems and world.
The game’s successful transition to 1.0 represents a validation of indie development and long-form project planning in the gaming industry. The Scroll of Taiwu’s eight-year journey from early access to full release demonstrates the viability of patient, iterative development and the growing appetite for culturally distinctive gaming experiences from the Chinese indie scene.