Phantom Blade Zero release date reveal announced for The Game Awards, launching on PC and PS5

Amid rumors that high-profile titles will debut at The Game Awards, there are some scheduled attendees. The event’s official social media account has confirmed a Phantom Blade Zero release date announcement. A project by Chinese developer S-Game, the action RPG will ship for the PS5 and PC.

The short video accompanying the news depicts an artist putting the final touches on a dragon's head. Suddenly, the beast rises from the ground, exposing a man hidden beneath it. The footage doesn’t feature any of the stylish combat described in previews. Still, hands-on impressions have described fast and fluid battles with a cinematic flair.

S-Game has been careful not to characterize Phantom Blade Zero as a souls-like game. Its ambition is to make gameplay less intimidating for players who find Elden Ring boss battles exhausting. Nevertheless, testers have found the experience to be plenty challenging. In a unique mechanic, each death costs the assassin precious time, with only 66 days before he meets his final demise.

The rise of big-budget Chinese games

The popularity of Black Myth: Wukong encouraged Chinese developers to produce AAA titles with global appeal. PlayStation recognized the trend, encouraging more studios in the region to develop PS5 games. Not all these efforts have been instant successes, as Lost Soul Aside demonstrated. Even so, S-Game is intent on avoiding any frame-rate drops that slow down attacks.

Also published by S-Game, the Phantom Blade Zero release date should include the PC. A developer made headlines by reportedly downplaying the importance of an Xbox version. However, after denying it’s a PlayStation-exclusive, the company hasn’t ruled out supporting other platforms in the future.

The Game Awards will take place on December 11th with an anticipated livestream. Host Geoff Keighley teasing gamers with a nefarious statue has stoked curiosity about an unannounced headliner. Star Wars may also appear after an insider hinted that Knights of the Old Republic may make a comeback.