Black Myth: Wukong's Xbox Series X|S release delay happened due to PlayStation exclusivity

Black Myth: Wukong has been out for some days on certain consoles and Windows PCs, but unfortunately, the game is experiencing a release delay on Xbox Series X|S, and users of these platforms cannot play it currently.

According to a recent report from Windows Central and IGN published earlier this summer, here’s what Microsoft’s spokesperson said in a statement regarding the Black Myth: Wukong’s delay:

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. 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.

The developer of the game, Game Science, earlier announced that the Black Myth: Wukong will be out on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on August 20, 2024. Not to forget, Game Science announced the release date at the recently held Games Awards 2024.

While that is true, the game developer skipped mentioning an Xbox Series X|S version when it launched the trailer at the Summer Game Fest. Game Science, however, confirmed the delay in Black Myth: Wukong’s release on Xbox Series X/S citing optimization as the primary reason. It mentions:

PC and PS5 users can enjoy the full game starting August 20, 2024. 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. 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.

It’s been buzzing around that the game’s delay on Xbox isn’t because of any tech snafus but rather a hush-hush exclusivity deal with Sony. The tech issues, including a rumoured memory leak that a leaker supposedly discussed after chatting with Xbox devs at Gamescom, aren’t the real culprits behind the delay. Instead, whispers in the gaming corridors suggest Sony and Game Science, the brains behind the game, have a deal keeping the game off Xbox for now.

Neither Sony nor Game Science has disclosed any details about this exclusivity arrangement.

Are you excited about the release of Black Myth: Wukong on Xbox X|S? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.