Black Myth: Wukong Just Became Steam’s Biggest Solo Hit – Here’s Why Everyone’s Losing Their Minds
August 20, 2024Black Myth: Wukong just dropped on Steam, and it’s already rewriting the record books. In a matter of hours, this action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology has climbed the ranks to become the most-played single-player game of all time on the platform. Yes, you heard that right—it’s beaten out heavyweights like Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, and Cyberpunk 2077. So, what’s behind this meteoric rise, and why is everyone talking about it? Let’s break it down.
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A Record-Breaking Debut
When a game hits Steam, the usual metrics for success are pretty straightforward: How many people are playing it, and how quickly does it climb the charts? Well, Black Myth: Wukong has smashed those metrics to bits. In just a few hours, it racked up over 2 million players, with a peak concurrent player count of 2,125,077. To put that in perspective, it’s now the second most-played game ever on Steam in terms of concurrent player numbers, knocking down giants like Counter-Strike 2 and Palworld.
But what’s even more impressive? This is a single-player game. Multiplayer titles usually dominate these kinds of charts because, well, they’re built for huge player bases. But Black Myth: Wukong? It’s you, the game, and one epic journey through Chinese mythology. That it’s managed to pull these numbers is nothing short of mind-blowing.
Why Is Everyone So Hyped?
So, why is this game resonating so hard with players? Let’s start with the basics. Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG by Game Science, a studio based in China. The game is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, taking inspiration from the classic tale of the Monkey King. This isn’t just another hack-and-slash; it’s a visual spectacle with jaw-dropping boss fights, intricate character designs, and a storyline that feels like it’s ripped straight from the pages of an ancient legend.
The game’s appeal lies not just in its narrative but also in its gameplay. Players have been raving about the dramatic, larger-than-life boss battles that are as challenging as they are visually stunning. The game has been compared to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Dark Souls, but with a unique twist that sets it apart.
A Game Built for China – And The World
Here’s where things get really interesting. According to Simon Carless of GameDiscoverCo, a staggering 88% of the game’s players on Steam are from China. This statistic alone highlights just how much of a cultural moment Black Myth: Wukong is in its home country. It’s not just a game; it’s a phenomenon.
How China-specific is interest in Black Myth: Wukong? A lot: @GameDiscoverCo's current estimate of its Steam country split for players is 88.1% China, 3% U.S., 1.6% Hong Kong, 1% Japan. pic.twitter.com/FeAFn85NBH
— Simon Carless (@simoncarless) August 20, 2024
But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t a game that only appeals to Chinese players. The game’s universal themes, stunning visuals, and challenging gameplay have attracted a global audience. And while the majority of its player base might currently be in China, its appeal is broad enough that it’s making waves worldwide.
Controversies and Criticisms
No game this big comes without its share of drama, and Black Myth: Wukong is no exception. The game has been dogged by controversy, both before and after its release. Posts from Game Science’s CEO, Féng Jì, were flagged for using sexualized and misogynistic language, and more recent reports have uncovered a history of sexism within the studio. Add to that a leaked document instructing influencers to avoid mentioning “politics,” “feminist propaganda,” or even COVID-19 in their coverage, and you’ve got a recipe for controversy.
And then there’s the game itself. Despite its record-breaking debut, reviews have been mixed. Eurogamer awarded it three out of five stars, praising its boss fights but criticizing the game for being “hollow and rudderless” at times. It’s a classic case of style over substance, where the glitz and glamour might not be enough to mask deeper gameplay issues.
What’s Next for Black Myth: Wukong?
With its player numbers continuing to climb, Black Myth: Wukong isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s already solidified its place in gaming history as Steam’s most-played single-player game of all time. But the big question is, can it maintain this momentum? With the controversies swirling around the studio and mixed reviews from critics, it’ll be interesting to see how the game evolves in the coming weeks and months.
One thing’s for sure—Black Myth: Wukong is a game that people will be talking about for a long time. Whether you love it or find it frustratingly shallow, there’s no denying that it’s captured the world’s attention in a way few games ever do. So, if you haven’t already, now might be the perfect time to dive in and see what all the fuss is about.
In a gaming landscape crowded with sequels and reboots, Black Myth: Wukong is a breath of fresh air, offering something new, something different, and something undeniably epic. Whether it lives up to the hype or not, it’s already made its mark. And in the end, that might be the most important thing of all.
