Black Myth: Wukong Developer Hits Over $1 Billion in Steam Revenue

Game Science, the developer behind Black Myth: Wukong, has reportedly generated over $1 billion in revenue solely from Steam, according to recent data from a Steam analytics platform. This impressive milestone places Game Science among the ranks of the most successful game companies on the platform, standing shoulder to shoulder with industry giants like 2K, Bandai Namco, and Activision.

A Record-Breaking Success for Game Science

Black Myth: Wukong, which launched on August 19 for PlayStation 5 and PC, has quickly become one of the standout titles of the year. Within just two weeks of its release, the game sold over 18 million copies, and it surpassed 20 million units sold within its first month on the market.

The game's phenomenal success has been driven largely by word-of-mouth buzz and a significant marketing campaign, particularly in China. Although sales are expected to grow at a more gradual pace moving forward, anticipation remains high for the upcoming Black Myth: Wukong DLC, slated for release early next year.

Game Science’s Meteoric Rise in Steam's Rankings

According to insights from TechNote and the Gamalytic analytics platform, Game Science has climbed to 12th place on Steam’s top publisher list, with Black Myth: Wukong propelling the company to this remarkable position. The studio's revenue figures have placed it in the same league as major players like Rockstar Games and 2K. Game Science’s earnings are now just $100,000 shy of matching those of Activision and Bandai Namco.

While these figures only account for sales on Steam, details regarding the revenue from the PlayStation 5 version of Black Myth: Wukong remain undisclosed. Game Science has not yet provided a breakdown of the sales split between PC and PS5, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the game’s financial success.

A Bright Future Ahead for Game Science

The massive revenue generated by Black Myth: Wukong not only covered its development costs but also delivered substantial profits for Game Science. According to a report from the tax authorities in China’s Zhejiang province, the game's development expenses were approximately RMB 300 million (around $42.4 million). Additionally, the studio benefited from a research and development tax deduction of about RMB 28 million (close to $4 million).

Looking ahead, Game Science’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. With the first DLC for Black Myth: Wukong expected to drop during the Chinese New Year period in late January or early February 2025, the company’s Steam revenue is projected to keep growing. Although specific details about the DLC’s content are still under wraps, Game Science has hinted at plans for a second DLC expansion and an Xbox Series X|S version of the game, aiming to expand its reach even further in the coming year.