Wuthering Waves Celebrates 1st Anniversary with Millions USD: A Phenomenal Year for Kuro Games’ Gacha RPG

The global gaming landscape is ever-evolving, but few titles have made waves quite like Kuro Games’ Wuthering Waves. One year after its initial launch, the game stands tall as a shining example of modern gacha RPG success. Wuthering Waves celebrates its 1st anniversary with millions USD in revenue and a passionate community that gathered both online and in-person to mark this significant milestone.

Let’s dive deep into how Kuro Games achieved this remarkable feat and what lies ahead for the game that has captivated millions worldwide.

A Meteoric Rise: The Financial Triumph

Wuthering Waves celebrates its 1st anniversary with millions USD in earnings, clocking a staggering $317.3 million on mobile platforms alone, according to data from AppMagic. But that’s just part of the story. The true revenue figure is likely far higher when factoring in PC and console sales, as the game’s cross-platform nature ensures players can access its expansive world wherever they choose.

After its launch on May 23, 2024, Wuthering Waves quickly surged past $100 million in mobile revenue within its first two months—a rare achievement even in the lucrative world of gacha gaming. The game continued this impressive trajectory, reaching a quarter-billion dollars in revenue shortly after the release of its Version 2.0 update.

While mobile was undoubtedly the primary driver of these figures, Kuro Games’ multi-platform strategy has played a significant role in ensuring sustained player engagement and revenue streams beyond just smartphones.

Riding the Peaks and Troughs of Gacha Economics

Like most gacha-based games, Wuthering Waves celebrates its 1st anniversary with millions USD but not without facing the typical ebb and flow of revenue patterns. Player spending spiked dramatically at launch, with the game generating $2.7 million on its first day and peaking at $5.5 million two weeks later on June 6, 2024.

June 2024, the game’s first full month, remains its most lucrative to date, pulling in an astounding $62.2 million on mobile. This high was fueled by early hype, aggressive marketing, and the influx of new players eager to explore Kuro Games’ latest offering.

However, as is customary in the gacha genre, revenues began to taper off in the following months. By September 2024, monthly earnings had dipped to $10.7 million—a significant drop from the initial surge. But Kuro Games was quick to adapt, rolling out new updates, storylines, and characters that reignited player interest.

Indeed, 2025 has shown marked improvements over the lows of late 2024. February 2025, the game’s weakest month of the year, still brought in $17.4 million, a notable increase from the prior year’s lowest points. May 2025, the anniversary month, recorded $31.5 million in mobile spending, marking it as the third-best month in the game’s history.

The single most lucrative day of 2025 so far was April 29, when Wuthering Waves generated $4.4 million. This peak coincided with Japan’s Golden Week and the release of Version 2.3, introducing new character Zani, fresh story content, and engaging event quests.

The Heart of the Celebration: Fans and Community

Wuthering Waves celebrates its 1st anniversary with millions USD not merely because of gacha mechanics and slick marketing—it’s the community’s enthusiasm that truly powers the game’s enduring success.

On May 23, 2025, Kuro Games hosted an official anniversary event at The Majestic in Los Angeles, creating an unforgettable in-person experience for fans. Players gathered in their finest cosplay, portraying beloved characters such as Jinhsi, Changli, Xiangli Yao, Shorekeeper, Camellya, Carlotta, Roccia, Brant, and many others.

The event was a vibrant showcase of fan creativity and devotion. Highlights included:

• Cosplay Showcase: Talented fans took the stage to display elaborate costumes inspired by Wuthering Waves’ diverse cast of characters. Each cosplay was a testament to the game’s rich art direction and character design.

• Live Musical Performance: Attendees were treated to a performance of music from the game’s original soundtrack, evoking emotional moments and key scenes from the game’s first year.

• Interactive Challenges: The event offered engaging activities such as the Tactical Hologram challenge and a speedrun contest, providing fans with a chance to showcase their in-game skills.

• Culinary Celebrations: No birthday is complete without cake. A one-year anniversary cake became the centerpiece for group photos, symbolizing the unity of the community and the developers.

Beyond Los Angeles, fans celebrated in various regions worldwide, including Japan, South Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan, further cementing Wuthering Waves as a global phenomenon.

The Secret Behind the Success: Quality and Community Listening

Wuthering Waves celebrates its 1st anniversary with millions USD, but the journey was not without its challenges. One critical factor in its success was Kuro Games’ willingness to listen to its player base.

During the game’s closed beta phases, extensive player feedback led to substantial rewrites of the core narrative and gameplay systems. This dedication to refining the game before launch paid off, as players praised the compelling story, high-quality visuals, and engaging mechanics upon release.

This collaborative relationship between developers and players earned Kuro Games a coveted spot in industry rankings, such as the Top 50 Mobile Game Makers list of 2024.

What’s Next for Wuthering Waves?

As Wuthering Waves celebrates its 1st anniversary with millions USD, fans eagerly look forward to the next chapter. Kuro Games has already announced Version 2.4, set to release on June 12, 2025. The update promises:

• New Region: Septimont: Players will soon explore Septimont, a fresh addition to Wuthering Waves’ ever-expanding world, bringing new landscapes, challenges, and secrets.

• New Characters: As with previous updates, new characters will enter the gacha pool, sparking anticipation—and likely new revenue peaks—as players aim to add them to their collections.

• New Challenges and Events: Kuro Games continues to introduce innovative game modes and time-limited events, maintaining player engagement and offering unique rewards.

These updates are crucial for sustaining momentum, particularly in the competitive gacha RPG market, where novelty and fresh content are key to retaining an active player base.

Lessons for the Industry

The story of Wuthering Waves celebrates its 1st anniversary with millions USD is more than just an individual success—it offers lessons for the entire industry:

• Listen to Your Community: Early player feedback and meaningful changes can turn a good game into a great one.

• Global Approach: Cross-platform availability and worldwide community engagement are essential for building lasting success.

• Content Cadence: Regular updates keep the player base engaged and drive revenue peaks.

• Cultural Events: In-person gatherings like the Los Angeles celebration deepen player loyalty and generate buzz beyond the game itself.

Conclusion

In a world crowded with mobile games, few titles make it to the one-year mark with such resounding success. Wuthering Waves celebrates its 1st anniversary with millions USD, vibrant community events, and a promising roadmap for the future.

Kuro Games has not only delivered a captivating gaming experience but has also cultivated a community passionate enough to gather in cosplay, sing along to the soundtrack, and invest their time—and money—into the world of Wuthering Waves.

As the game moves into its second year, the waves it has created show no sign of receding. With new content on the horizon and a loyal global fanbase, Wuthering Waves is poised to remain one of the most influential gacha RPGs of its era.