After the Xbox Series X/S version’s delay, Microsoft said “it can’t comment on the deals made by our partners with other platform holders.”

Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong surged in popularity since its latest trailer at Summer Game Fest, topping wishlists on Steam. While it’s seemingly on track to launch for PS5 and PC, the developer announced a delay to the Xbox Series X/S version. Its pre-order FAQ revealed that it’s “currently optimizing” the same “to meet our quality standards.”

This led some to believe that the Xbox Series S, with its comparatively weaker hardware, is the reason. While Game Science didn’t specify this, it wouldn’t be the first time the console caused a delay – see Baldur’s Gate 3. However, Jez Corden of Windows Central reported hearing “whispers and rumors” at the Xbox Games Showcase that Game Science and PlayStation had entered “some form” of an exclusivity deal for the title.

When the deal was made and whether it’s the reason for the delay is unknown, and neither party has officially confirmed a deal. Corden asked the developer and Microsoft if the Xbox Series S was holding back the release, which the former didn’t respond to. However, the latter seemingly hinted at those rumors, stating that it “can’t comment on the deals made by our partners with other platform holders.”

“We’re excited for the launch of Black Myth: Wukong on Xbox Series X|S and are working with Game Science to bring the game to our platforms. We can’t comment on the deals made by our partners with other platform holders, but we remain focused on making Xbox the best platform for gamers, and great games are at the center of that.”

Black Myth: Wukong launches on August 20th. Though it won’t have microtransactions, Game Science has indicated the possibility of “non-pay-to-win in-game purchases” and DLC after launch.