S-GAME clarifies controversial ChinaJoy 2024 remarks regarding Xbox. Let's delve into the controversy and S-GAME's official response.
S-GAME Addresses the Uproar
Misquoted Comments Spark Debate
Following reports from multiple media outlets attending ChinaJoy 2024, S-GAME, the creators of Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong, addressed claims made by an anonymous source. These outlets reported comments allegedly made by a Phantom Blade Zero developer expressing negativity towards Xbox.
S-GAME's official Twitter(X) statement emphasizes their commitment to broad game accessibility: "These purported statements do not reflect S-GAME's values or corporate culture. We are dedicated to making our game available to all players and haven't ruled out any platforms for Phantom Blade Zero. We're diligently working on development and publishing to ensure maximum player reach at launch and beyond."
The initial controversy stemmed from a Chinese news outlet's report of an anonymous source (claiming to be a developer) stating that Xbox lacked interest. This was misinterpreted and amplified by several outlets, including Aroged and Gameplay Cassi, leading to inaccurate headlines suggesting Xbox was unwanted or unnecessary.
While S-GAME neither confirmed nor denied the anonymous source, the underlying sentiment holds some truth. Xbox's market share in Asia significantly trails PlayStation and Nintendo. For example, Xbox Series X|S sales in Japan are far below those of the PS5. Furthermore, Xbox's retail presence in many Asian countries remains limited, hindering its accessibility.
Speculation about an exclusive deal between S-GAME and Sony fueled the fire. Although S-GAME previously acknowledged Sony's support, they've denied exclusive partnership rumors. Their Summer 2024 update confirmed plans for PC and PlayStation 5 releases.
Despite the lack of official Xbox confirmation, S-GAME's response leaves the possibility open for a future Xbox release.
