The Phantom Blade Zero developers say they do not want to make the game less challenging for foreigners. In fact, the opposite is true.

I had the pleasure to play Phantom Blade Zero at Gamescom in August. I was pleased with what I saw. It's a frenetic, fast-paced game that feels like a spiritual continuation of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty rather than a soulslike. This is a positive thing in my opinion.

According to CEO Liang Qiwei, the game was also rife in lore and visual references to Chinese mythology. I am woefully ignorant on this subject. In fact, the studio is betting on it.

Qiwei, in an interview with 4gamer, (thanks Automaton for the translated version), admits that Phantom Blade Zero may confuse some players due to its cultural references and nods. "In my opinion, quality and the playing experience of a video game are the core." If you can create a high-quality and entertaining experience, a difficult theme may not be a disadvantage. If your game is fun, players will see unfamiliar themes as fresh.

Qiwei uses Black Myth Wukong’s recent success as the fastest-selling game of all time as proof of his point: "Black Myth Wukong had to overcome a higher hurdle than our game in terms of culture, as it is based on a classical Chinese work of literary."

This is not to be a spokesman, but it's pretty much the best thing about making anything--not only games, but also music, movies, etc. In the boardroom, market research and safe IP choices are always the most important factors. However, as Metaphor: ReFantazio director recently argued, you can tell if a game is made according to a blueprint. Games that tick all my familiar boxes feel comfortable, but I want to explore a new world.

Qiwei also uses the proliferation of Japanese archetypes of samurai to his advantage.

"I doubt Chinese players were interested in Japanese samurai when they first started playing. They're now a popular theme because so many games have been made about them. If the game is interesting, then the fact that the themes are foreign can be a plus, not a disadvantage. I think it's an important plus that attracts more players."

If you've ever enjoyed a Star Wars movie or game, you can thank samurai-style media. George Lucas was (some might say too) heavily inspired by The Hidden Fortress. You can thank samurai culture for any Star Wars movies or games you've enjoyed. George Lucas was (some would say too) heavily influenced by The Hidden Fortress. The word Jedi is even derived from Jidaigeki - a genre of samurai theatre. In the same way, samurai movies and western films have a long tradition of cultural exchange. They often draw inspiration and pay homage to each other.

We're all playing in the same sandbox. I'm glad that more foreign studios have realised this. For example, Atlus tried to imitate western fantasy classics like Lord of the Rings, before deciding 'nah, we're gonna do our thing, let's use the entire works of Hieronymous Bos for our monster designs. Lean into the unknown, I say.