Phantom Blade Zero Devs Clarify Xbox Statement

Following a controversial statement attributed to an anonymous source at ChinaJoy 2024, S-GAME, the studio behind Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong, has issued a clarification. Let's delve into the details of the controversy and the developer's official response.

S-GAME Addresses the Uproar

Misquoted Remarks Spark Debate

Multiple media outlets covering ChinaJoy 2024 reported on comments allegedly made by a Phantom Blade Zero developer regarding Xbox. These reports varied, with some interpreting the comments as dismissive of the platform's appeal in Asia.

S-GAME's official Twitter(X) statement emphasizes their commitment to broad accessibility: "The reported statements do not reflect S-GAME's values or corporate culture," the statement reads. "We are dedicated to making our game available to as many players as possible and haven't ruled out any platforms for Phantom Blade Zero. We're focused on development and publishing to ensure a wide release."

The initial controversy stemmed from a Chinese news outlet's report of an anonymous source—claiming to be a developer—who reportedly stated a lack of interest in Xbox. This sparked various interpretations and reports, some suggesting a lack of market demand for Xbox in Asia. Misinterpretations further fueled the flames, with some outlets incorrectly translating the original statement as definitively negative towards the platform.

While S-GAME's statement doesn't directly address the source's authenticity, the underlying sentiment regarding Xbox's market share in Asia holds some truth. Xbox's sales figures in regions like Japan significantly trail those of PlayStation and Nintendo. Furthermore, limited retail availability in several Asian countries has hindered Xbox's growth.

Speculation of an exclusive deal with Sony also contributed to the controversy. While S-GAME acknowledged past Sony support, they have denied any exclusivity agreement. Their Summer 2024 developer update confirmed plans for a PC release alongside the PlayStation 5 version.

Although an Xbox release remains unconfirmed, S-GAME's response leaves the possibility open, suggesting the controversy may have been fueled by misinterpretations and speculation.