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Black Myth: Wukong - Version 6 vs Version 7
May 6, 2026, 10:02 PM
Removed image of Zhong Kui announcement key art from the predecessor (Wukong) article; image did not depict Wukong
May 8, 2026, 08:55 AM
Applied Title Case to body headings
11Overview22Black Myth: Wukong is a single-player action RPG developed and published by Game Science. Based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, it follows the Monkey King through a mythological world of godsdemonsand spirits. It is the first title in the Black Myth Series and the predecessor to Black Myth: Zhong Kui.44Release and platforms5+Release and Platforms66The game launched on August 20, 2024, on PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5. The Xbox Series X|S version followed exactly one year later on August 20, 2025. Development took approximately six years at a total cost of around $70 million. Roughly $42.5 million for development and $27.5 million for marketing.88Commercial performance9+Commercial Performance1010Wukong was a commercial phenomenon by any measure. Key numbers:12124.5 million copies sold across all platforms within 24 hours (3+ million on Steam)$53 million in pre-sales before launch15 million copies in the first week20 million copies in the first monthOver 28 million copies by end of 2024Over 30 million copies by the first anniversaryExceeded $1 billion in Steam revenue alone30% of players were from outside China1414On Steam, Wukong peaked at 2,415,714 concurrent players: the highest ever for a single-player game and the second-highest all-time on the platform, behind only PUBG: Battlegrounds. At the time of its launch, Steam itself broke its own record at over 37 million concurrent users.1616Gameplay1818The game's combat centers on the Ruyi Jingu Bang (the Monkey King's extending staff) with three stances: Smash (heavy, area attacks), Pillar (planted staff techniques), and Thrust (rapid piercing strikes). Players can also use transformation abilities to take the form of defeated enemies, and a spirit system grants access to powerful NPC abilities.2020The game drew comparisons to the "Soulslike" genre but played faster and placed less emphasis on stamina management. Boss encounters were a particular highlight, with complex multi-phase fights against mythological figures.2222Critical reception23+Critical Reception2424Wukong received an 82 (PC, 48 critic reviews). Reviews praised the visual fidelity, boss design, and cultural authenticity while noting some issues with pacing and camera in certain fights. PS5 review copies were not provided at launch.2626Awards2828ItemDescriptionGolden Joystick Awards 2024Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Visual DesignThe Game Awards 2024Best Action Game, Players' VoiceSteam Awards 2024Game of the Year, Outstanding Story-Rich Game, Best Game You Stuck AtNAVGTR Awards 2025Won for Animation (Technical) and Character Design; 20 total nominations30-Cultural impact30+Cultural Impact3131Wukong's success extended beyond gaming. The Chow Tai Fook jewelry collaboration exceeded 150 million yuan in retail value. Shanxi Province (where many of the game's real-world temple locations are found) saw a 46.90% year-over-year increase in tourism attributed to the game. For the Chinese gaming industry, Wukong proved that a premium single-player game from China could compete at the highest global level.3333Legacy for the series34+Legacy for the Series3535Wukong's success gave Game Science the resources and credibility to expand the Black Myth Series. The studio rebranded its social media from "Black Myth: Wukong" to "Black Myth" when announcing Zhong Kui at Gamescom 2025. Feng Ji has confirmed Wukong's story will continue eventually, calling Zhong Kui a creative detour before returning to the Monkey King "in a more complete and polished form."
