S-GAME Addresses ChinaJoy 2024 Controversy Surrounding Phantom Blade Zero's Xbox Release

Following reports from multiple media outlets regarding controversial statements allegedly made by an anonymous Phantom Blade Zero developer at ChinaJoy 2024, S-GAME has issued a statement clarifying its position. The initial reports, stemming from a Chinese news outlet and subsequently amplified by international sources like Aroged and Gameplay Cassi, suggested a lack of interest in the Xbox platform, with some translations even implying a dismissive attitude towards Xbox's relevance.

S-GAME's official Twitter (X) response refutes these claims, emphasizing the studio's commitment to broad accessibility. The statement explicitly declares that the reported comments don't reflect S-GAME's values or company culture. They reiterated their dedication to bringing Phantom Blade Zero to as many players as possible, without excluding any platforms. The statement confirms ongoing efforts in development and publishing to achieve this goal.

While S-GAME neither confirmed nor denied the anonymous source's authenticity, the underlying sentiment regarding Xbox's market share in Asia holds some truth. Xbox's presence in Asian markets significantly trails behind PlayStation and Nintendo, with sales figures reflecting a considerable disparity. Furthermore, limited retail availability in many Asian countries further complicates Xbox's market penetration.

Speculation regarding an exclusive deal with Sony, fueled by previous statements acknowledging Sony's development and marketing support, has also been addressed. S-GAME has denied any exclusive partnership, reaffirming their plans for a PC release alongside the PlayStation 5 version.

Although an official Xbox release remains unconfirmed, S-GAME's response leaves the possibility open, suggesting that the initial controversy may have been a misinterpretation or exaggeration of the situation. The focus remains on delivering Phantom Blade Zero to a wide audience across multiple platforms.