S-GAME Clarifies "Nobody Needs Xbox" Misattribution Following ChinaJoy 2024 Buzz

Following a flurry of reports stemming from ChinaJoy 2024, S-GAME, the studio behind the anticipated titles Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong, has addressed a controversial statement attributed to an anonymous source. Several media outlets initially reported that a Phantom Blade Zero developer had made disparaging remarks about the Xbox platform.

The controversy ignited after a Chinese news outlet published a statement, allegedly from a Phantom Blade Zero developer, translated by fans as expressing a lack of interest in the Xbox market. This was amplified by outlets such as Aroged, and further misinterpreted by Gameplay Cassi as a blanket dismissal of the Xbox platform. The claim gained significant traction, fueling speculation about potential exclusivity deals.

S-GAME's official statement on Twitter (X) categorically rejects the notion that these comments reflect the company's stance. The statement emphasizes S-GAME's commitment to broad accessibility, explicitly stating that no platforms have been ruled out for Phantom Blade Zero. The studio is actively pursuing both development and publishing strategies to maximize player reach.

While S-GAME doesn't directly confirm or deny the anonymous source's authenticity, their statement acknowledges the reality of Xbox's comparatively lower market share in Asia compared to PlayStation and Nintendo. Challenges such as limited retail availability in many Southeast Asian countries further complicate the Xbox's market penetration.

Previous reports of Sony's development and marketing support for Phantom Blade Zero, mentioned in a June interview, fueled speculation of an exclusive deal. However, S-GAME has refuted these claims, reiterating their plans for a PC release alongside the PlayStation 5 version in their Summer 2024 update.

Although an Xbox release remains unconfirmed, S-GAME's response leaves the possibility open, effectively quashing the controversy while maintaining strategic ambiguity regarding platform exclusivity.