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 officially responded to a recent controversy sparked by an anonymous source at ChinaJoy 2024. The controversy stemmed from reports claiming a Phantom Blade Zero developer stated that Xbox lacked interest in the Asian market.

The Misquote and its Fallout

Several media outlets, including Aroged and Gameplay Cassi, reported on the anonymous source's comments, with some misinterpretations escalating the situation. While the original statement, translated from a Chinese news outlet, suggested a lack of Xbox interest, some outlets misinterpreted it as a dismissal of the platform entirely.

S-GAME's statement on Twitter(X) directly addresses these reports, emphasizing their commitment to broad accessibility: "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." The statement reaffirms their dedication to reaching the widest possible player base.

Xbox's Market Position in Asia

While S-GAME didn't confirm or deny the anonymous source, their statement acknowledges the reality of Xbox's comparatively lower market share in Asia compared to PlayStation and Nintendo. Limited availability and retail support in many Asian countries contribute to this disparity.

Exclusive Deal Rumors Debunked

Speculation of an exclusive deal between S-GAME and Sony fueled the controversy. While the studio previously mentioned receiving support from Sony, they have explicitly denied any exclusive partnership agreements. Their Summer 2024 Developer Update confirmed plans for PC and PlayStation 5 releases.

The Future of Phantom Blade Zero on Xbox

Although S-GAME hasn't explicitly confirmed an Xbox release, their statement leaves the possibility open. Their emphasis on widespread accessibility suggests that an Xbox release remains a consideration. The situation highlights the complexities of international game publishing and the challenges of navigating diverse market dynamics.