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 reports stemming from ChinaJoy 2024. The controversy began with an anonymous source, purportedly a Phantom Blade Zero developer, quoted in a Chinese news outlet as saying Xbox lacked interest. This quote was subsequently misinterpreted and amplified by several international gaming news sites, with some outlets translating it as "nobody needs Xbox."
S-GAME's official Twitter (X) statement refutes the sentiment expressed in the misquote. The studio emphasizes its commitment to broad accessibility, stating that the reported comments don't reflect their values or company culture. They explicitly state they haven't ruled out any platforms for Phantom Blade Zero and are actively working to ensure maximum player reach.
While S-GAME doesn't directly address the anonymous source's credibility, the statement acknowledges the limited Xbox market share in Asia. The relatively low sales figures for Xbox Series X|S in regions like Japan, compared to PlayStation 5 sales, are a factor. Further complicating matters is the inconsistent availability of Xbox consoles and related products across many Asian countries.
Speculation regarding an exclusive deal with Sony, fueled by S-GAME's previous acknowledgement of Sony's development and marketing support, has also been addressed. The studio has denied any exclusive partnership. Their Summer 2024 developer update confirmed Phantom Blade Zero for PlayStation 5 and PC.
While an Xbox release remains unconfirmed, S-GAME's response leaves the door open for future possibilities. The statement prioritizes making the game available to the widest possible audience, suggesting an Xbox release isn't entirely off the table.
