Developing AAA games for fifteen years, I've never encountered a developer being so forthright as stating, "Most individuals create games for financial gain, but we generate funds specifically for the sake of games."
S-GAME, a Beijing-based studio led by Soulframe Liang, is set to release their highly anticipated action RPG, Phantom Blade Zero. The game, developed by a team of around 100 people, marks a significant evolution for the studio, transitioning from mobile and smaller action titles to a large-scale, high-quality action RPG.
The journey of Phantom Blade Zero began in 2017, evolving from Liang's earlier titles like Rain Blood Chronicles: Mirage and Phantom Blade: Executioners. Initially conceived with 2D graphics, the team shifted direction in 2017 to use Unreal Engine 4 for 3D graphics, aiming to better realise the scale and kung fu-style action they envisioned.
Development was paused in 2018 due to unfavourable market conditions, but it resumed in 2021 after Tencent invested, enabling the studio to ramp up the project into a larger PC and console game. The studio aimed to create a more expansive "Phantom world" surpassing the scope and scale of its earlier mobile and side-scrolling action games. Tencent's financial and logistical support was pivotal to this expansion.
By 2022, full-scale development began with the gameplay framework established, and as of 2024, the studio was filling in detailed content. Notable industry veterans like Michael Chang (art director for Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls) and Kenji Tanigaki (action director known for Chinese action films) are part of the team. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, reflecting a high production value and technical ambition.
Phantom Blade Zero aims to blend deeply authentic kung fu movements with an operatic cinematic style inspired by classic wuxia films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The developers have emphasised quality mocap animation with multiple iterations to honour kung fu traditions properly. Story-wise, it’s a spiritual rebirth loosely linked to previous Rainblood narratives but designed as a stand-alone experience with multiple endings and a 20-30 hour main campaign. Additional multiplayer and endgame content such as roguelike dungeons and boss rush modes are planned.
Future plans include a planned release likely in 2026, with anticipation for further refinement in storytelling and localization, especially for English voice acting. The studio also intends to continue exploring other large projects like Stellar Saga, a space-themed title, although Liang focuses mainly on Phantom Blade Zero.
This extensive, carefully crafted game marks a major evolution for Liang’s studio, transitioning from mobile and smaller action titles to a large-scale, high-quality action RPG reflecting a deep passion for kung fu and cinematic storytelling, fueled by Tencent’s support.
- Fans of Soulframe Liang's work are eagerly awaiting the release of Phantom Blade Zero, the studio's action RPG, which promises a significant shift from their previous mobile and smaller action titles.
- As Phantom Blade Zero transitioned from 2D to 3D graphics using Unreal Engine 4 in 2017, gamers began to take notice, anticipating the improvements this technological leap would bring.
- With the game's development now built on Unreal Engine 5, players can look forward to enjoying a high-quality production value and technical ambition, reminiscent of smartphones and other advanced gadgets.
- During the game's 2026 release, fans of martial arts, wuxia films, and RPGs will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the expansive Phantom world, winning hours of entertainment in a season packed with exciting new games.
