Phantom Blade Zero Devs Address Misquoting Controversy

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 an anonymous source's remarks at ChinaJoy 2024. Several media outlets reported on comments allegedly made by a Phantom Blade Zero developer suggesting a lack of interest in the Xbox platform.

The statement, released on Twitter (X), firmly refutes the notion that these comments reflect S-GAME's position. The company emphasized its commitment to broad accessibility, stating, "These claimed statements do not represent S-GAME’s values or culture. We believe in making our game accessible to everyone and have not ruled out any platforms for Phantom Blade Zero." They further pledged dedication to ensuring the widest possible player reach.

The initial controversy stemmed from a Chinese news outlet's report, later translated and disseminated internationally. While some interpretations suggested a dismissive attitude towards Xbox, the situation was exacerbated by mistranslations, with some outlets reporting a more extreme sentiment than originally stated. While S-GAME neither confirmed nor denied the anonymous source's identity, the company acknowledged the relatively lower Xbox market share in Asia compared to PlayStation and Nintendo, along with challenges in Xbox's distribution network in certain Asian regions.

Speculation regarding an exclusive deal with Sony also fueled the controversy. Although S-GAME previously acknowledged Sony's support, they have categorically denied any exclusive partnership. Their Summer 2024 Developer Update reaffirmed plans for a PC release alongside the PlayStation 5 version.

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