Abou Bakar 
The highly anticipated action RPG Black Myth: Wukong has taken the gaming world by storm ever since its stunning reveal in 2020. Developed by Chinese studio Game Science, the game is inspired by the legendary tale of Journey to the West, bringing breathtaking visuals, fluid combat, and a compelling story to players. However, as the game nears its release, controversy has emerged regarding its availability on Xbox platforms. While many assume this is simply a technical or business decision, Black Myth: Wukong’s Xbox problem is much more complex than it seems.
At Gamescom 2023, Game Science confirmed that Black Myth: Wukong would launch on PC and PlayStation 5 on August 20, 2024. However, there was no mention of an Xbox Series X/S version, leading to speculation and frustration among Xbox fans. Given the game’s impressive graphics and combat mechanics, many assumed it would be a multi-platform release from day one.
This uncertainty sparked debates across gaming communities, with some arguing that Game Science is prioritizing PlayStation due to a marketing deal, while others speculated that technical challenges with Xbox hardware might be the cause. But the issue is much more layered than just platform preference or optimization.
Technical Challenges on Xbox Series X/S
One of the most common explanations for the Black Myth: Wukong Xbox delay revolves around hardware optimization issues. The Xbox Series X is a powerful console, but the Xbox Series S—its less powerful counterpart—has posed difficulties for many developers.
Several developers have pointed out that optimizing games for both Series X and Series S simultaneously is a challenge due to the lower RAM and GPU power of the Series S. Since Microsoft requires parity between the two consoles (meaning a game launching on Series X must also run on Series S), studios often struggle to make high-end games function well on the less powerful hardware. Black Myth: Wukong’s demanding Unreal Engine 5 graphics could be a major obstacle in this regard.
Some past games, such as Baldur’s Gate 3, faced similar hurdles, where the developer initially had issues making the split-screen co-op work on the Series S. Game Science could be facing similar optimization roadblocks, causing delays or an outright hesitation to commit to an Xbox launch.
Business and Market Considerations
Another significant factor in Black Myth: Wukong’s Xbox situation is the business side of game development. Game Science is a relatively small studio compared to major AAA developers, and optimizing for multiple platforms requires substantial resources. Prioritizing PlayStation and PC makes more financial sense, especially given the dominance of PlayStation in the Chinese and global gaming markets.
According to market reports, PlayStation 5 has outsold Xbox Series consoles by a large margin, especially in Asian markets. Since Black Myth: Wukong is developed by a Chinese studio, it’s likely that Game Science is focusing on platforms with the largest potential audience first. Additionally, Sony’s strong presence in the Chinese gaming industry through partnerships and marketing could also be influencing Game Science’s decisions.
Is There a PlayStation Exclusivity Deal?
Many fans have speculated that Sony may have secured a timed exclusivity deal for Black Myth: Wukong, similar to what happened with games like Final Fantasy XVI. However, no official statement from Game Science or Sony has confirmed this.
While PlayStation has heavily marketed the game, Game Science has never explicitly stated that an Xbox version will not come in the future. Instead, they have only focused on PC and PS5 for the launch, leaving the door open for an eventual Xbox release.
The Unreal Engine 5 Factor
While it’s disappointing for Xbox players that Black Myth: Wukong won’t be available at launch, it doesn’t mean the game will never come to Xbox. Several factors suggest that an Xbox release is still likely in the future:
- No Permanent Exclusion – Unlike true PlayStation exclusives, Game Science has never stated that the game will never come to Xbox. Their wording has left room for future expansions to other platforms.
- PC and Cloud Gaming Options – Since the game is launching on PC, Xbox players may have access to it via Xbox Cloud Gaming (if it becomes available on Game Pass for PC in the future).
Potential Optimizations Post-Launch – Other games have launched first on one platform and later arrived on Xbox once technical issues were resolved. If Game Science sees demand from Xbox players, they may prioritize an Xbox version post-launch.
Conclusion: It’s More Than Just Xbox
The Black Myth: Wukong Xbox situation is not just about Xbox—it’s a mix of technical hurdles, business strategy, and market realities. While Game Science has chosen to focus on PC and PlayStation 5 first, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are ignoring Xbox forever.
Many highly anticipated games have launched on limited platforms before expanding later. Whether the delay is due to Unreal Engine 5 optimizations, Xbox Series S limitations, or strategic business decisions, Xbox fans still have hope that Black Myth: Wukong will eventually make its way to their platform.
Until an official statement clarifies the situation, all we can do is wait and see how Game Science handles this highly anticipated release. But one thing is certain: Black Myth: Wukong is shaping up to be one of the most impressive action RPGs in recent years, and its journey is far from over.
