For years, Black Myth: Wukong has captivated gamers with its stunning visuals, intricate combat mechanics, and deep-rooted inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Developed by Game Science, the game was initially released on PlayStation 5 and PC on August 20, 2024. However, Xbox players were left wondering when—or if—they would ever get their hands on this highly anticipated title.
Now, after much speculation and debate, Game Science has officially announced that Black Myth: Wukong will arrive on Xbox Series X/S on August 20, 2025—exactly one year after its PlayStation and PC debut. This marks the end of a long saga filled with rumors of exclusivity deals, technical challenges, and corporate maneuvering.
The Backstory: Why the Delay?
The absence of an Xbox version at launch led to widespread speculation. Some believed that Sony had secured an exclusivity deal, preventing the game from appearing on Microsoft’s platform. Others pointed to the technical limitations of the Xbox Series S, suggesting that optimizing the game for Microsoft’s lower-powered console was a major hurdle.
Microsoft eventually issued a statement denying that hardware limitations were the cause of the delay, implying that business agreements were at play. Meanwhile, Game Science remained vague, stating that they were working to ensure the game met their internal quality standards before launching on Xbox.
Adding to the intrigue, Game Science CEO Feng Ji later commented on Weibo about the challenges of optimizing the game for Xbox, particularly the shared memory constraints of the Series S. This statement seemed to contradict Microsoft’s earlier claims, fueling further debate.
The Significance of August 20
Interestingly, Game Science has a tradition of releasing trailers and major updates on August 20 each year. This date holds special significance in Chinese culture, as it is widely celebrated as the birthday of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King—the legendary figure upon whom the game is based. Whether the Xbox release date was strategically chosen for this reason or simply a coincidence remains unclear.
Beyond its gripping gameplay and breathtaking visuals, Black Myth: Wukong represents a milestone for Chinese game development. It is widely regarded as China’s first AAA title, proving that Chinese studios can compete on the global stage. The game’s success has already influenced other Chinese developers, inspiring titles like Tides of Annihilation, Phantom Blade Zero, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers.
With over 10 million copies sold in just three days after its initial release, Black Myth: Wukong has reshaped perceptions of Chinese gaming and set a new standard for action RPGs.
The Future of Black Myth: Wukong
As Xbox players prepare to finally experience the Destined One’s journey, the question remains: Will the wait be worth it? Given the game’s critical acclaim and massive success on other platforms, expectations are high. Additionally, Game Science has hinted at future expansions, suggesting that the adventure is far from over.
For now, Xbox fans can mark their calendars for August 20, 2025, when they will finally step into the world of Black Myth: Wukong and confront destiny.