Black Myth: Wukong Shatters Steam Records with Over 1.4 Million Players

Black Myth: Wukong, the debut game from Chinese studio Game Science, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fastest game to reach 1 million concurrent players on Steam, accomplishing this in just 60 minutes. The game has since reached an all-time peak of approximately 1.43 million concurrent players, surpassing notable titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Dota 2. Despite not featuring online or multiplayer options, the single-player action RPG has maintained high player engagement.

The game, inspired by the Chinese classic "Journey to the West," was launched on multiple platforms including PS5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and China-exclusive WeGame. Its success has been particularly pronounced in China, where it set a pre-sale record of RMB 390 million ($53 million) and sold 1.2 million copies within a month. The game’s release has been accompanied by a strong marketing push and has been well-received by players, garnering a 94% positive review rating on Steam.

Despite its popularity, Black Myth: Wukong has faced criticism regarding its political content and feminist themes. However, these controversies have not significantly impacted its player count or reception. The game’s impressive performance indicates a growing influence of Chinese-developed games on the global stage, blending traditional cultural elements with modern digital gaming. Sales figures for the game on PS5 and other platforms are yet to be disclosed, but the overall success suggests a robust financial future for Game Science’s latest release.