S-Game Clarifies Comments on Xbox After ChinaJoy 2024 Controversy

Following reports from ChinaJoy 2024, S-Game, the developer behind Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong, has addressed a controversial statement attributed to an anonymous source. The initial reports, which varied in translation, suggested a lack of interest in Xbox in the Asian market.

The controversy began with a Chinese news outlet quoting an alleged Phantom Blade Zero developer stating that Xbox lacked interest. This was subsequently reported by several international gaming news sites, with some translations exaggerating the original sentiment. One outlet, for example, translated the statement as "nobody needs this platform," while the original statement, as translated by fans, indicated a perceived lack of market demand for Xbox in Asia.

S-Game's official statement on Twitter (X) denies that the anonymous source reflects the company's views. The statement reaffirms their commitment to broad platform availability for Phantom Blade Zero, stating that no platforms have been excluded.

While S-Game didn't directly confirm or deny the anonymous source's identity, the underlying concerns about Xbox's market share in Asia are valid. Sales figures demonstrate Xbox's significantly lower popularity compared to PlayStation and Nintendo in regions like Japan. Furthermore, limited retail availability in many Southeast Asian countries has hampered Xbox's growth.

Speculation of an exclusive deal with Sony also fueled the controversy. While S-Game previously acknowledged receiving support from Sony, they have explicitly denied an exclusive partnership. They've confirmed plans for PC and PlayStation 5 releases, leaving the possibility of an Xbox release open.

In conclusion, while the initial reports created significant buzz, S-Game's response clarifies their position and leaves the door open for a potential Phantom Blade Zero release on Xbox.