Black Myth: Wukong has soared to the pinnacle of the Steam charts worldwide, even before its official launch. This remarkable achievement showcases the game's widespread appeal and anticipation both in the West and its home country, China.
Wukong’s Rise to the Top
As the release date approaches, the excitement for Black Myth: Wukong has escalated dramatically, catapulting the game to the top of Steam's best-seller charts. The action RPG has maintained a strong presence within the platform's top 100 for nine consecutive weeks, previously holding the 17th spot. A recent surge in popularity has propelled it past even well-established titles such as Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG.
Twitter user @Okami13_ highlighted that the game "also regularly stayed in the top 5 on Chinese Steam for the past two months." This underscores the game's significant impact in China, where it has been hailed by local media as a prime example of Chinese AAA game development. This accolade is particularly noteworthy in a country that is rapidly emerging as a major player in the gaming industry, with successes like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves.
The game first captured global attention with a 13-minute pre-alpha gameplay trailer released in 2020. The trailer amassed an impressive 2 million views on YouTube and 10 million views on the Chinese platform Bilibili within just 24 hours, as reported by the South China Morning Post. This unprecedented attention not only thrust Game Science into the international spotlight but also led to an extraordinary incident where an overzealous fan broke into the studio on a Saturday morning to express their admiration, according to IGN China.
For Game Science, a studio primarily known for mobile games, the overwhelming response to Black Myth: Wukong represents a monumental achievement, especially given that the game has yet to be released.
The hype surrounding Black Myth: Wukong has been relentless. From its initial unveiling, players have been captivated by its stunning visuals and Souls-like combat, highlighted by epic battles against colossal creatures. As the game's release date on August 20th for PC and PlayStation 5 draws near, anticipation continues to build. The true test will be whether Black Myth: Wukong can live up to its immense promise when it finally launches.
