S-GAME Clarifies Misinterpretation Regarding Xbox and Phantom Blade Zero
Following a controversy sparked by an anonymous source's comments at ChinaJoy 2024, S-GAME, the developer behind Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong, has issued a statement. Several media outlets reported on alleged statements made by a Phantom Blade Zero developer expressing negativity towards Xbox.
The initial report, originating from a Chinese news outlet and subsequently translated by fans, suggested a lack of interest in Xbox. This was misinterpreted by some outlets, including Gameplay Cassi, as a statement that Xbox was unnecessary. Aroged's reporting highlighted the platform's comparatively lower demand in Asia.
S-GAME's official Twitter(X) statement refutes the notion that the reported comments reflect their company values. They emphasize their commitment to broad accessibility, explicitly stating they haven't ruled out any platform for Phantom Blade Zero. The statement focuses on their dedication to ensuring a wide player base at launch and beyond.
While S-GAME neither confirmed nor denied the anonymous source's authenticity, the underlying issue of Xbox's comparatively lower market share in Asia, particularly in comparison to PlayStation and Nintendo, is undeniable. Sales figures in Japan illustrate this disparity. Furthermore, limited retail availability in many Asian countries has historically hampered Xbox's penetration.
Speculation regarding an exclusive deal with Sony, fueled by previous statements about Sony's development and marketing support, has also been addressed. S-GAME has denied any exclusive partnership, reiterating their plans for PC and PlayStation 5 releases.
Despite the lack of explicit confirmation of an Xbox release, S-GAME's response leaves the possibility open, suggesting the controversy may have stemmed from miscommunication and misinterpretation rather than a definitive stance against the platform.
