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 comments at ChinaJoy 2024. Several media outlets reported on statements allegedly made by a Phantom Blade Zero developer expressing negative sentiments towards the Xbox platform.
The initial reports, stemming from a Chinese news outlet and subsequently amplified by international sources like Aroged and Gameplay Cassi, varied in their translation and interpretation. While some reports suggested a lack of interest in Xbox in Asia, others misrepresented the comments as a dismissal of the platform entirely.
S-GAME's official Twitter(X) statement refutes the notion that these comments reflect their company's position. The statement emphasizes their commitment to broad accessibility, explicitly stating that they haven't ruled out any platforms for Phantom Blade Zero. They are actively working on both development and publishing to ensure maximum player reach.
While S-GAME doesn't confirm or deny the anonymous source's identity, the underlying sentiment regarding Xbox's comparatively lower market share in Asia holds some truth. Sales figures in regions like Japan highlight a significant disparity between Xbox and competitors like PlayStation. Furthermore, limited retail availability in several Asian countries has historically hindered Xbox's growth.
Speculation regarding an exclusive deal with Sony, fueled by previous acknowledgments of Sony's support, has also been addressed. S-GAME has denied any exclusive partnership, reiterating their plans for a PC and PlayStation 5 release in their Summer 2024 developer update.
Although an Xbox release remains unconfirmed, S-GAME's response leaves the possibility open, suggesting that the controversy may have been based on misinterpretations and exaggerations of an anonymous individual's opinion.
