Following the release of Phantom Blade Zero, the editorial team at IGN China criticized developers from Europe and North America, claiming they have become “hostages to political correctness” and are producing an increasing number of “garbage games” that fail commercially. According to the journalists, the Chinese industry can remedy the situation. As an example, they cited Phantom Blade Zero, which received numerous 10/10 scores and sold over 4 million copies within a few days.
David Jaffe, creator of God of War and Twisted Metal, reacted to the publication. Instead of discussing the gameplay, he focused on censorship, China's political system, and the lack of free speech.
However, users accused the famous developer of completely missing the point made by the Chinese journalists. In their view, Jaffe himself has become part of the problem: instead of working on games, Western authors engage in politics and lecture their audience. Many players are tired of the moralizing tone and just want to be entertained without encountering political statements.