Microsoft has just addressed Black Myth: Wukong's delay on Xbox Series X/S, issuing a brief statement on the matter on Friday.
"We’re excited for the launch of Black Myth Wukong on Xbox Series X|S and are working with Game Science to bring the game to our platforms," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement, first reported by Windows Central and also obtained by IGN. "We can't comment on the deals made by our partners with other platform holders, but we remain focused on making Xbox the best platform for gamers, and great games are at the center of that."
Back at The Game Awards 2023, developer Game Science announced an August 20, 2024 release date for Black Myth: Wukong for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Earlier this month, however, its Summer Game Fest trailer omitted mention of an Xbox Series X/S version.
In an FAQ, Game Science confirmed that Black Myth: Wukong's release on Xbox Series X/S would indeed come after its August 20 launch on PlayStation 5 and PC. At the time, Game Science pointed to optimization on the Xbox as the reason for the delay.
"We are currently optimizing the Xbox Series X|S version to meet our quality standards, so it won't release simultaneously with the other platforms," the developer wrote. "We apologize for the delay and aim to minimize the wait for Xbox users. We will announce the release date as soon as it meets our quality standards."
Regardless, rumors swirled that Game Science might've had an exclusivity deal with Sony, which Microsoft's statement seems to vaguely address. IGN has reached out to Sony for comment.
We're still waiting on an Xbox Series X/S release date, but in the meantime, IGN got to spend a couple of hours with the soulslike, which impressed IGN's Mitchell Saltzman. "It’s stunningly gorgeous, the animations are incredibly fluid, it’s steeped in rich Chinese culture, and there’s just something immensely satisfying about playing as a Monkey King and beating up all sorts of mythical creatures with a giant extendable staff," he wrote in our preview.
Game Science has still, though, not responded to our previous report compiling numerous sexist comments made by the studio's founders and other developers spanning the last decade.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
