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 regarding an alleged comment dismissing the Xbox platform. The controversy stemmed from a statement attributed to an anonymous Phantom Blade Zero developer at ChinaJoy 2024, initially reported by several media outlets.
The initial reports, which varied in translation, suggested a lack of interest in the Xbox platform in Asia. Some outlets, like Aroged, highlighted Xbox's comparatively lower market share in the region compared to PlayStation and Nintendo. Gameplay Cassi's interpretation of the statement as "nobody needs this platform" further fueled the controversy.
S-GAME's official Twitter(X) response refutes the notion that this sentiment reflects their company values. The statement emphasizes their commitment to broad accessibility, explicitly stating they haven't ruled out any platforms for Phantom Blade Zero. They are actively working on both development and publishing to maximize the game's reach.
While S-GAME didn't directly address the anonymous source's authenticity, the underlying concerns about Xbox's market penetration in Asia hold some weight. Sales figures in Japan, for example, illustrate a significant disparity between Xbox and PlayStation. Furthermore, limited retail availability in many Southeast Asian countries has historically hindered Xbox's growth in the region.
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.
Although an Xbox release remains unconfirmed, S-GAME's statement leaves the possibility open, suggesting that the controversy may have been a misrepresentation or misinterpretation of the original comment.
