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Black Myth: Wukong Xbox Delay Sparks Memory Controversy
January 4, 2025When Black Myth: Wukong exploded onto the scene, it shattered records and set a new benchmark for single-player games. But despite its monumental success on Steam and other platforms, confusion lingers around its delayed release on Xbox. The root of the issue? A clash of statements between Microsoft and Game Science, the developers behind the game, with the latter blaming the Xbox Series S’s memory limitations for the delay.
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The Memory Blame Game
The debate began when Feng Ji, Game Science’s CEO and producer of Black Myth: Wukong, took to Weibo to address the game’s absence on Xbox. He pointed fingers at the Xbox Series S’s 10GB shared memory, stating, “I can’t really get it without a few years of optimisation experience.” This comment implied that the console’s limitations were a hurdle too significant to overcome without extensive work.
Feng Ji’s candid statement stirred up a storm among fans and industry insiders alike. His remarks suggested that the Series S’s lower specifications compared to the Series X were holding back the game’s release, sparking concerns over the viability of Microsoft’s budget-friendly console in delivering high-performance games.
Microsoft’s Pushback
Microsoft, however, has been quick to refute these claims. Back in September 2024, they released a statement denying that the delay was due to “platform limitations.” The company also hinted that contractual exclusivity with other platform holders—read: PlayStation—could have played a part in the situation.
“We’d prefer not to comment on the deals made by our partners with other platform holders,” the statement read. This left fans wondering: Is this a technical issue or a strategic one?
Microsoft reiterated their enthusiasm for the game’s arrival on Xbox platforms, but their statement left the door open to speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations and deals.
A Year of Triumph and Turmoil for Game Science
The delay hasn’t stopped Black Myth: Wukong from making waves. Upon release, the game broke records, becoming the most popular single-player game on Steam by peak concurrent users and dominating Chinese live-streaming platforms. Its critical success culminated in a Game of the Year nomination at the 2024 Game Awards, where it ultimately lost to Astro Bot.
Despite these accolades, Game Science’s CEO expressed disappointment in a lengthy statement after the Game Awards, stating he felt like he “came all the way here for nothing!” The sentiment highlights the studio’s rollercoaster year, balancing record-breaking achievements with frustrations over recognition and platform limitations.
Xbox Series S: The Elephant in the Room?
The Series S, designed as a more affordable entry point into the Xbox ecosystem, has often been scrutinized for its hardware limitations compared to the Series X. With 10GB of shared memory and lower graphical capabilities, developers have occasionally expressed frustration over the extra optimization required to make games perform seamlessly on the system.
While Microsoft has maintained that the Series S is fully capable of handling next-gen titles, the ongoing debate with Black Myth: Wukong reignites concerns about the challenges developers face when working with the console.
A Question of Exclusivity?
Another theory swirling around the delay is the possibility of an exclusivity deal with PlayStation. While no official agreement has been disclosed, fans speculate that Black Myth: Wukong’s delayed release on Xbox could be part of a broader strategy to boost its visibility on PlayStation platforms first.
This theory gained traction given the game’s immense popularity and the competitive nature of platform-specific content. Exclusivity deals are a common practice in the gaming industry, allowing platforms to secure timed advantages for high-profile titles.
What’s Next for Black Myth: Wukong?
While the developer’s statement and Microsoft’s denial leave much room for speculation, fans are eager to see Black Myth: Wukong makes its way to Xbox. The game’s groundbreaking visuals, immersive storytelling, and fluid combat have set it apart as one of the most anticipated titles of recent years.
Whether the delay is a matter of technical optimization or contractual obligations, one thing is clear: the gaming community is hungry for answers—and for Black Myth: Wukong on Xbox.
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