What do you need to know
- Black Myth: Wukong is an upcoming action-adventure title from Game Science.
- Based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong is highly anticipated for its spectacular visuals and thrilling battles.
- Unfortunately, the Xbox version of the game was “delayed for optimization” on June 7, 2024, to an unspecified date.
- Microsoft offered a rare statement regarding the delay, adding some mystery to the proceedings.
Black Myth: Wukong is a spectacular looking upcoming action-adventure game from new studio Game Science, based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The player takes on a martial arts-wielding monkey known as the Destined One based on Sun Wukong’s novel. Described as a boss rush game, Black Myth: Wukong was previously slated for an Xbox Series X|S release alongside PC and PlayStation 5 versions on August 20, 2024. Until plans change.
Developer Game Science showed off a new trailer for Black Myth: Wukong at this year’s Summer Game Fest 2024 in LA, and the Xbox Series X|S logo was mysteriously missing. Later, the company confirmed in its FAQ that the Xbox version was “delayed due to optimization”.
“We are currently optimizing the Xbox Series X|S version to meet our quality standards,” Game Science said, “so it will not be released at the same time as the other platforms. We apologize for the delay and try to minimize the wait for Xbox users. We will announce the release date once it meets our quality standards.”
This news led to a wave of speculation that the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S platforms are difficult to work with. The Xbox Series S in particular has previously been blamed for game delays, especially Baldur’s Gate 3, which dropped split-screen co-op to get the game out. The Xbox Series S has less RAM and GPU power than the Xbox Series X and PS5, which compromises resolution in exchange for a lower, more affordable price. The console has proven popular as a more affordable option for millions, although it is often blamed for situations like the above.
I asked both Microsoft and Game Science to comment on the “optimization” issue and try to get some clarity. Was the Xbox Series S to blame? Game Science did not respond, but this morning a Microsoft spokesperson offered the statement below.
“We’re excited to launch Black Myth Wukong on Xbox Series X|S and are working with Game Science to bring the game to our platforms. We can’t comment on the deals our partners have with other platform holders, but we remain focused on making Xbox the best a platform for gamers, and at the heart of that are great games.”
Exclusivity deal or issues with Xbox Series S?
I’d like to note here that I didn’t solicit the matter of potential exclusivity deals, although Microsoft is clearly aware of the rumours. Most, including myself, thought from the start that the culprit was probably the Xbox Series S. But maybe there’s more to it – maybe not.
Later in LA at Xbox Showcase 2024, I became aware of whispers and rumors that, despite claims of optimization, Game Science had in fact struck some form of exclusivity with PlayStation for Black Myth: Wukong. Reading between the lines, Microsoft seems to be implying that there may be some form of third-party exclusivity agreement in the game, even though it’s not explicitly stated as such.
If that Yippee In this case, a retroactive exclusivity deal like this is problematic for a variety of reasons, especially if you’ve already announced which platforms your game is coming to. The delay for “optimization” reasons is also problematic for Microsoft and Xbox, as it supports the narrative that Xbox is not a priority for developers, and further speculation that the Xbox Series S is difficult for developers to work with. If Black Myth: Wukong were to enter into an exclusivity deal, it would be in Sony’s interest to challenge the Xbox platform by keeping the details of the deal under wraps.
Related: Xbox games lead to exclusive Matt Booty Talks, Xbox Game Pass and more
Game Science is a new independent studio. It’s not uncommon for independent teams to make exclusive deals to bolster their cash flow. Microsoft has similar exclusive deals, including the Pokemon survival hit Palworld. What wouldn’t make sense is to throw Microsoft under the bus to save face from an audience disappointed by the delay. Dozens and dozens of articles and YouTube videos blaming the Xbox Series S for Black Myth: Wukong’s delay appeared right after the delay was announced, creating yet another wave of doubt about the Xbox Series X|S platform. I’d like to hear some more details from Game Science about what exactly is causing the Xbox lag on their end if it is indeed the Xbox Series S, but I’m not sure we’ll get anything official.
Whatever the harsh reality, it’s ultimately up to Microsoft to fix the issues that developers have with the Xbox platform and ensure that Xbox customers can still receive content at the same pace as its competitors. Capcom recently exclusively announced a number of classic game ports No it’s coming to the Xbox Series X|S, for example.
In any case, we’ve been here before with Xbox, and we’ll probably be here again, as Xbox remains in third place. A truly mind-boggling line-up of upcoming Xbox games revealed at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase means Xbox fans will have more than enough to play for in the coming months. It just seems like Black Myth: Wukong won’t be among them for whatever reason.
Black Myth: Wukong will launch on August 20, 2024 for Windows PC and PS5, with the Xbox Series X|S version launching at an unspecified date later.