Phantom Blade Zero Devs Respond to \"Nobody Needs Xbox\" Misquote

S-GAME Addresses ChinaJoy 2024 Controversy: Phantom Blade Zero's Platform Plans

S-GAME, the studio behind the highly anticipated Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong, has issued a statement clarifying remarks attributed to an anonymous source at ChinaJoy 2024. The controversy stemmed from reports alleging a developer stated Xbox lacked interest or demand.

Misquoted Comments Spark Uproar

Multiple media outlets reported on comments made by an anonymous individual claiming to be a Phantom Blade Zero developer. These reports, initially published in a Chinese news outlet and subsequently picked up internationally, varied in their interpretation. While some outlets accurately translated the source's claim of low Xbox interest in Asia, others misrepresented the statement as a dismissal of the entire platform. This misinterpretation fueled speculation and controversy.

S-GAME's Official Response

In a statement on Twitter(X), S-GAME distanced themselves from the comments, stating that they do not reflect the company's values or approach. The studio reaffirmed its commitment to broad accessibility, explicitly stating that no platforms have been ruled out for Phantom Blade Zero. They emphasized their dedication to ensuring the game reaches a wide audience upon release and beyond.

Analyzing the Claims

While S-GAME didn't directly address the source's authenticity, the underlying sentiment regarding Xbox's market share in Asia holds some truth. Xbox's presence in regions like Japan significantly trails behind PlayStation and Nintendo, with sales figures reflecting a considerable disparity. Furthermore, limited retail availability in many Asian countries has historically hampered Xbox's growth, forcing reliance on overseas wholesalers.

Addressing Exclusivity Rumors

The controversy further escalated with speculation of an exclusive deal between S-GAME and Sony. While the studio previously acknowledged Sony's support for development and marketing, they have explicitly denied any exclusive partnership agreements. Their Summer 2024 developer update highlighted plans for a PC release alongside the PlayStation 5 version.

Conclusion

Although S-GAME hasn't confirmed an Xbox release, their response leaves the possibility open. The clarification aims to dispel misinformation and reassure fans that their goal is to make Phantom Blade Zero available to the widest possible player base.