We’ve got good news, and we’ve got bad news for Xbox players looking forward to playing Black Myth: Wukong.
The good news for Xbox fans is that Black Myth: Wukong is indeed coming to the Xbox Series S/Xs. However, there is a catch: it isn’t anytime soon. Game Science, the developer behind the game, has confirmed that while they are working on the Xbox version, it is currently being optimized to meet their quality standards. This means an Xbox release will come at a later, yet unspecified date.
The Chinese developers have yet to provide a timeline, leaving many gamers uncertain what to feel about not knowing when they can expect to enjoy the game.
Black Myth: Wukong’s delay is particularly disheartening given the excitement and the hype surrounding it. Once again, Xbox players are left feeling excluded from its record-breaking launch. The situation mirrors other recent high-profile video game launches, where Xbox players found themselves waiting for titles that were released on other platforms first, specifically last year with Baldur’s Gate 3.
For those wondering why the Xbox version is delayed, it’s important to consider the technical challenges involved in optimizing games for different platforms. The Xbox Series S, a less powerful counterpart to the Series X, poses unique challenges for the developers. This situation has led to delays and even controversial comments from certain developers in the past. Microsoft’s requirement for developers to release games on both the Series X and Series S is a complicated matter, particularly for a graphically demanding game like Black Myth: Wukong.
Not to mention, in regions like China, where PC gaming dominates, consoles like the Xbox have struggled to sell. With less than 3% of gaming revenue coming from the console sales in the populous country, developers have a good reason to prioritize PC and PlayStation releases over Xbox versions, which is what may have happened here.
Given these circumstances, Xbox players are looking at a waiting period that could stretch into early 2025. If optimization is the primary reason for the delay, players might see a release by late fall or early winter 2024.
As we await more information from the developer regarding an official release date for Xbox, we can only wonder if it will be a case of too little too late at that point, especially if Sony and Game Science strike a partnership to make Black Myth: Wukong a launch title on the PlayStation 5 Pro later this year.
If that happens, who’s going to want to buy the game on Xbox when it launches? Microsoft will have to pay a lot if it wants to put the game on the Game Pass, which could mitigate any benefits it could bring. No amount of additional content or even a physical edition, which is also highly unlikely, could save a belated Xbox release if it takes too long.
Despite the disappointment of waiting longer for the Xbox release, the fact remains that Black Myth: Wukong is on its way to Microsoft’s consoles. While it might not be available at launch, it isn’t a case of prolonged exclusivity. Instead, Game Science appears committed to refining their product before releasing it on Xbox.
In the meantime, gamers can get their fill of Black Myth: Wukong on PC, provided their systems meet the required specifications. Or, you know, you could always join the other team and get yourself a PlayStation 5, unless you’re okay with dealing with a serious case of FOMO-the game’s growing popularity has already left millions engaged with its stunning visuals and intricate storytelling, inspired by the classic Chinese tale, Journey to the West.
