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

S-GAME clarifies controversial ChinaJoy 2024 comments. The developer behind Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong addresses the uproar surrounding alleged anti-Xbox statements.

S-GAME's Official Response

Misinterpretation of ChinaJoy Comments

Following reports from multiple media outlets covering ChinaJoy 2024, S-GAME issued a statement on Twitter (X) refuting claims made by an anonymous source. These reports suggested a Phantom Blade Zero developer made disparaging remarks about Xbox.

The studio's statement emphasizes their commitment to broad accessibility: "These alleged statements do not reflect S-GAME's values or culture," it reads. "We aim for wide game availability and haven't ruled out any platforms for Phantom Blade Zero. We're dedicated to development and publishing to ensure maximum player reach at launch and beyond."

The controversy stemmed from a Chinese news outlet's report, translated by fans, stating a lack of Xbox interest. This was amplified by outlets like Aroged, and further misrepresented by Gameplay Cassi as a complete dismissal of the platform.

While S-GAME neither confirmed nor denied the anonymous source's authenticity, their statement acknowledges Xbox's comparatively lower market share in Asia. Xbox Series X|S sales in Japan, for example, significantly trail those of PlayStation and Nintendo. Furthermore, limited retail availability in many Asian countries has hindered Xbox's growth.

Speculation of an exclusive deal with Sony fueled the controversy. Although S-GAME previously mentioned receiving Sony's development and marketing support, they've denied any exclusive partnership. Their Summer 2024 update confirmed Phantom Blade Zero releases on PlayStation 5 and PC.

Despite the lack of official Xbox confirmation, S-GAME's statement leaves the door open to future Xbox release possibilities.