Los Angeles, California – Fans eagerly anticipating the release of Black Myth: Wukong, an action adventure game from Game Science based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, were met with disappointment when the Xbox version of the game was delayed for optimizations. The news came on June 7, 2024, with Microsoft offering a rare statement regarding the delay.
The Xbox Series X|S version of Black Myth: Wukong was originally set to launch on August 20, 2024, alongside the PC and PlayStation 5 versions. However, during this year’s Summer Game Fest in LA, Game Science showcased a new trailer for the game without the Xbox Series X|S logo, sparking speculation among fans and industry insiders.
Game Science addressed the delay on its FAQ page, stating that they were optimizing the Xbox Series X|S version to meet their quality standards, leading to the decision to delay its release. The studio apologized for the delay and assured Xbox users that they aim to minimize the wait time. An official release date for the Xbox version will be announced once it meets the required quality standards.
Speculation arose regarding the difficulty of working with the Xbox Series X|S platform, particularly the Xbox Series S, which has been linked to game delays in the past due to its lower RAM and GPU power compared to the Xbox Series X and PS5. While some pointed fingers at the Xbox Series S, others considered the possibility of a third-party exclusivity deal with PlayStation impacting the game’s release on Xbox.
The situation raised questions about the relationship between developers and platform holders, with concerns about transparency and prioritization of platforms. As Game Science remains silent on the issue, the focus shifts to Microsoft to address any challenges developers face on the Xbox platform and ensure equal access to content for all players.
Despite the setback with Black Myth: Wukong, Xbox fans can still look forward to an exciting lineup of upcoming games, as revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase for 2024. With Microsoft’s commitment to making Xbox the best platform for gamers, the company faces the challenge of maintaining developer trust and delivering high-quality gaming experiences to its audience.
Black Myth: Wukong is scheduled to launch on August 20, 2024, for Windows PC and PS5, with the Xbox Series X|S version set to follow at a later unspecified date. As the gaming community awaits further updates on the game’s release, the industry continues to evolve, presenting new challenges and opportunities for developers and platform holders alike.