Phantom Blade Zero Devs Respond to \"Nobody Needs Xbox\" Misquote

S-GAME addresses the controversy surrounding a statement attributed to an anonymous source at ChinaJoy 2024, clarifying their position on Phantom Blade Zero's platform availability.

S-GAME Responds to the Controversy

Misquoted Remarks Spark Uproar

Multiple media outlets reported on comments allegedly made by a Phantom Blade Zero developer at ChinaJoy 2024, sparking a significant controversy. These reports varied, with some suggesting a lack of interest in Xbox in Asia, while others misinterpreted the statement more strongly.

In a statement on Twitter(X), S-GAME refuted these interpretations, emphasizing their commitment to broad accessibility. The statement clarifies that the reported comments don't reflect the company's values or intentions, reaffirming their dedication to bringing Phantom Blade Zero to as many players as possible across various platforms. No platforms have been ruled out.

The initial controversy stemmed from a Chinese news outlet’s report of an anonymous source, a purported Phantom Blade Zero developer, stating a lack of Xbox interest. This was then picked up and reported by international outlets, leading to varying interpretations and an escalation of the situation. Some reports highlighted Xbox's comparatively lower market share in Asia, particularly in comparison to PlayStation and Nintendo. This is evidenced by significantly lower sales figures for Xbox Series X|S in regions like Japan compared to the PS5.

Further complicating the matter is Xbox's limited retail presence in certain Asian countries. The lack of official distribution channels in many Southeast Asian nations, with Singapore being a notable exception, has created challenges for Xbox's market penetration.

Fueling speculation was the previous acknowledgement of Sony's development and marketing support for the game. While S-GAME confirmed this support in a June 8th interview, they have firmly denied any exclusive partnership with Sony. Their Summer 2024 Developer Update specifically mentioned plans for a PC release alongside the PlayStation 5 version.

While S-GAME hasn't explicitly confirmed an Xbox release, their response to the controversy leaves the possibility open, effectively distancing themselves from the initial inflammatory remarks.