There has been a lot of buzz around the expected release of Black Myth: Wukong, an action role-playing game from Chinese developer Game Science Inc. The game, based on the classic novel Journey to the West, will be released on August 20 at 10am.
Download Record Shattered
On August 18, "Black Myth: Wukong" opened pre-downloads for PC and PS5. It has already surpassed the download bandwidth record set by "Cyberpunk 2077" in 2020. The game achieved a peak bandwidth of 70 Tbps, compared to "Cyberpunk 2077’s" 51 Tbps. This impressive figure reflects the game's massive popularity, though it is important to note that download bandwidth is not a direct indicator of sales.
Picture left: Download bandwidth of "Black Myth: Wukong"; Picture right: Download bandwidth of "Dark Warriors 2077"
Chinese netizens have contributed a lot
The overwhelming majority of download traffic came from Asia, highlighting the strong support from Chinese gamers. Some enthusiasts are so eager to play that they are borrowing money to purchase the game. Additionally, some companies are offering a day off for employees to celebrate the launch, provided they have pre-ordered the game.
Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee released limited edition "Black Myth: Wukong" merchandise, which sold out rapidly. The game, however, has not been without controversy. There have been criticisms related to the game's portrayal of diversity and past actions of its developer. Allegations about the developer's controversial past and negative remarks about diversity have sparked heated debates.
Meme Coin Speculation
The game's high profile has also led to the emergence of related meme coins. While some of these coins, such as Wukong, have seen significant price fluctuations, it is crucial to note that they are not officially connected to the game. Potential investors should exercise caution due to the high volatility of meme coins and the speculative nature of these investments.