S-GAME Addresses "Nobody Needs Xbox" Controversy Surrounding Phantom Blade Zero
S-GAME, the studio behind the anticipated titles Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong, has issued a statement clarifying recent controversy sparked by comments attributed to an anonymous source at ChinaJoy 2024. Several media outlets reported on statements allegedly made by a Phantom Blade Zero developer expressing negativity towards the Xbox platform.
The initial reports, stemming from a Chinese news outlet and subsequently picked up internationally, varied in their translation. While some outlets reported a statement along the lines of "no one shows any interest in Xbox," others, like Gameplay Cassi, misinterpreted the sentiment as a more direct dismissal of the platform.
S-GAME's official Twitter(X) response firmly rejects the notion that these statements reflect their company's views. The statement emphasizes S-GAME's commitment to broad accessibility for Phantom Blade Zero, explicitly stating that no platforms have been excluded from consideration. They reiterated their dedication to ensuring a wide player base at launch and beyond.
While S-GAME didn't directly address 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. The limited retail presence of Xbox in many Asian regions further complicates the situation.
Speculation regarding an exclusive deal with Sony, fueled by previous statements acknowledging Sony's support for the game's development and marketing, has also been addressed. S-GAME has denied any exclusive partnership, reaffirming their intention to release Phantom Blade Zero on PC alongside PlayStation 5.
Although an Xbox release remains unconfirmed, S-GAME's official statement leaves the possibility open, suggesting the controversy may have been based on misinterpretations and exaggerations of the original statement.
