70-Year-Old Founder Brings Zhong Kui to Steam with Disney Vets

Zhong Kui, the self-published action RPG from Taikong Animation (Wuhan), has appeared on Steam (store page ID: 4550140) ahead of a planned launch before Christmas 2027, with a playable demo scheduled for June's Steam Next Fest.

The studio's pedigree stands out. Among its founders is a 70-year-old veteran who previously worked on Disney features including Zootopia, Frozen, and Big Hero 6. The team is bringing animation industry experience to its first game—an action RPG where players embody Zhong Kui, exorcising demons, transforming their shapes, and learning unique combat skills across four mythological realms: the Human Realm, Dragon Domain, Spirit Realm, and Netherworld. The setting has the flavor of something like Batman: Arkham Knight.

Here's the catch: the Steam page currently shows only a handful of screenshots and a brief description. How the combat actually feels, whether the skill systems are satisfying, and how deep the progression goes—completely unknown. Action RPGs live or die on fluid combat and balanced character growth, and independent studios have stumbled here repeatedly.

The premise is strong. Chinese ancient mythology plus Zhong Kui as a demon-hunting protagonist carries clear cultural appeal. But good ingredients don't guarantee a good meal.

Score: 6/10 — Stay Tuned

Recommendations: Wait for the June demo before committing. The animation pedigree is impressive on paper, but games and animation are different disciplines—execution will tell the real story.