Phantom Blade Zero director shares insights from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads, emphasizing the importance of trimming features and refining the game’s core elements.

Following The Game Awards 2025, Soulframe Liang, the director of Phantom Blade Zero, shared insights he gained from the team at Sandfall Interactive, the creators of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. After their impressive haul of awards, the standout advice Liang received was to “cut things” and “polish the rest.”

Phantom Blade Zero is set to launch in September 2026 and is poised to be one of the major titles emerging from China, following a wave of successful games like Black Myth: Wukong, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and Where Winds Meet. Early feedback on the game has been encouraging, and there’s a strong possibility it will make an appearance at next year’s event.

After the awards ceremony, Liang had the opportunity to exchange thoughts with the award-winning team. “Pressure is good,” Liang remarked, reflecting on his conversation with the creators of Expedition 33, who celebrated their numerous accolades that night.

However, the advice he received was likely unexpected. “One of the most important and interesting things they told us was that for the last nine months, the most crucial task is to delete things. To cut things [from the game] and to polish the rest.”

The phrase “delete your art” may be a running joke in creative circles, but it holds truth. Limitations can spark greater creativity and ultimately lead to a more refined product. Liang seems to resonate with this perspective. “So yeah, it’s a good idea,” he added. “And I will take that advice.”

With the potential to become the next breakout hit like Black Myth: Wukong, Phantom Blade Zero is gearing up for its September 2026 release.