Blade Zero Devs Respond to Xbox Misquote

S-GAME Clarifies Misinterpretation Regarding Xbox and Phantom Blade Zero

Following reports of controversial statements attributed to an anonymous Phantom Blade Zero developer at ChinaJoy 2024, S-GAME has issued a statement. Several media outlets initially reported that the developer dismissed Xbox as an irrelevant platform, with some translations even suggesting a more dismissive tone than the original source.

The controversy stemmed from a Chinese news outlet's report, later translated and amplified by international gaming news sites. These reports varied in their interpretation, with some suggesting a lack of market demand for Xbox in Asia, while others presented a more strongly worded dismissal of the platform.

S-GAME's official response on Twitter(X) emphasizes their commitment to broad accessibility for Phantom Blade Zero. The statement explicitly refutes the notion that the reported comments reflect the company's views, asserting a dedication to reaching the widest possible player base and leaving no platform excluded from consideration.

While S-GAME didn't directly address the anonymous source's credibility, the underlying concerns about Xbox's market share in Asia are undeniable. Sales figures in regions like Japan highlight the platform's significantly smaller footprint compared to PlayStation and Nintendo. Further complicating matters is the limited retail availability of Xbox in many Asian countries, relying heavily on imports in some areas.

Speculation regarding an exclusive deal with Sony intensified the controversy. While S-GAME previously acknowledged Sony's support for development and marketing, they have firmly denied any exclusive partnership. Their Summer 2024 developer update confirmed plans for PC and PlayStation 5 releases.

Despite the lack of explicit confirmation for an Xbox release, S-GAME's statement leaves the possibility open. The company's commitment to broad accessibility suggests that an Xbox port remains a consideration.