Phantom Blade Zero was recently shown off at ChinaJoy 2024. Local developers showcased their most innovative new projects. Along with Black Myth: Wukong, these were the two big upcoming action games that stood out the most among them.
Another reason for the excitement was because they were showcased on behalf of PlayStation. This situation sparked some discontent among gamers regarding the lack of an Xbox port, but the developers were quick to clarify the situation.
Developer Insights regarding Phantom Blade Zero
At ChinaJoy 2024, the country’s largest gaming exhibition, Black Myth: Wukong and Phantom Blade Zero were the stars of the show. According to a user on IconEra, The developers assured that there were no exclusivity agreements with Sony, despite the games being presented for PlayStation, and despite what fans and some insiders have suggested.
Journalists at the exhibition had the opportunity to speak with devs and representatives. They discussed the issue of PS5 exclusivity and the nature of their collaboration with PlayStation.
When asked about the absence of an Xbox release for Phantom Blade Zero, the developer candidly stated that “nobody needs this platform”. They explained that the console is not popular in Asia, and Microsoft’s ecosystem is overly complex, making game development challenging.
The developers explained that while they work closely with PlayStation, it doesn’t mean they are bound by exclusivity contracts. PlayStation offers significant support in promoting games both in China and internationally.
Basically, Sony acts as a publisher for the game. However, the developers retain full control over which platforms their games will be released on. Currently, PC and PS5 are seen as the most promising platforms for release, and that’s a rather obvious choice given decreasing Xbox hardware sales.
If developers had to prioritize the most profitable platforms, it would most likely be PC and PS5 first and foremost, but that doesn’t mean an Xbox port can’t be released down the line. The devs do have to make two different versions, one each for the Series S and Series X, which almost makes it another two ports given the varying hardware and limitations of the Series S.
Playstation Provides Development Support for Smaller International Studios
One anonymous developer from the game mentioned that PlayStation provides invaluable assistance to many studios, particularly in the area of testing and QA. The company supplies special debugging tools and even engineers to help with optimization for both the PS5 and PC versions.
This support greatly benefits the development process and ensures the games run smoothly on these platforms, especially given these smaller studio’s lack of international resources, and manpower or budget.
Phantom Blade Zero is being developed by S-GAME. The game blends fast-paced combat with a dark, atmospheric storyline. The devs have stated that it’s more of an action game akin to Devil May Cry, and isn’t a Soulslike. Recent gameplay demos showcased the game’s fluid combat, and extremely appealing art direction and graphics.
Both games have generated considerable excitement, not just for their association with PlayStation but for their potential to deliver some worthwhile gaming experiences. According to recent reports, the game will likely be released sometime in 2026.
What do you think of these games skipping Xbox for now? Let us know in the comments.
