Stellar Blade is set to make its PC debut with an array of exciting enhancements. However, like many Sony-backed titles, it comes with regional restrictions that could impact players in countries without PSN access. Let's delve into the bonus content and the implications of these restrictions.
Stellar Blade's PC Release: The Good and The Bad
The Good: PS5 Players Get Free Update with New Content and Features
Stellar Blade, the acclaimed action RPG from Shift Up, is expanding its horizons with a PC version that promises numerous enhancements. However, the path to PC hasn't been entirely smooth, with Sony prematurely revealing the game's trailer and unexpected regional restrictions.
Before the official announcement on May 15, Sony inadvertently uploaded a trailer to the PlayStation YouTube channel, showcasing details about the PC version, including its release date. Though quickly removed, the internet preserved and spread the information.
Shift Up has confirmed that PlayStation 5 players will also enjoy the new content introduced with the PC release. In a PlayStation Blog post, Shift Up's technical director, DongKi Lee, outlined the enhancements, including support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 upscaling, unlocked framerates exceeding 120 FPS, and ultrawide aspect ratio compatibility from 5:4 to 32:9. Players can also expect high-resolution textures, full keyboard and mouse remapping, DualSense controller support with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and additional voiceover options in Japanese and Chinese.
The PC version introduces new content such as a boss battle against Mann, the leader of the Sentinels, and 25 additional costumes for protagonist Eve. This content will be available to PlayStation 5 users through a free update on the same day.
The Bad: Stellar Blade PC Launch Marred by Regional Restrictions and Denuvo DRM
Date from SteamDB
While PS5 players receive a bonus, the PC launch of Stellar Blade faces challenges due to significant regional restrictions and the inclusion of Denuvo DRM. According to SteamDB, the game is currently unavailable for purchase on Steam in over 100 countries.
Shift Up has clarified that players do not need to connect their Steam profiles to their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to play the RPG. However, there is a notable overlap between the countries where Stellar Blade is blocked on Steam and regions without PSN services, leading many to believe Sony, the game's publisher, is behind these restrictions.
The widespread regional blocks seem to stem from Sony's approach to its PC game releases and the integration of PSN. Sony has been porting its PlayStation exclusives to PC to reach a broader audience, but this expansion often comes with a push for players to link their Steam profiles to their PSN accounts. This isn't an issue for countries with PSN access, but it poses a problem in regions where the service is not officially supported.
Sony's Chief Financial Officer, Hiroki Totoki, justified this requirement in a November 2024 Investor Call, stating it ensures players can "safely" enjoy their live-service games. This rationale may be understandable for games like Helldivers 2, but it raises questions about its application to single-player titles like Stellar Blade and the Horizon series.
The extent of these blocks has surprised many, including the developers, as evident from their responses on Twitter (X). When asked about the game's unavailability in certain regions, the Stellar Blade official X account replied, "The PC version of Stellar Blade does not require a PSN account. May I ask where you live?" accompanied by a "face screaming in fear" emoji. Subsequent inquiries received similar responses.
This situation echoes the controversy surrounding Helldivers 2's PSN requirement, which led to widespread negative reviews and forced Sony to reverse its policy.
Moreover, the inclusion of Denuvo in the PC release has sparked concern among players. Denuvo is designed to prevent piracy but is often criticized for potentially impacting performance and limiting how players can use their games.
However, the official Stellar Blade X account reassured players, stating, "After extensive testing and relentless optimization, the game delivers high frame rates on a variety of setups. Even on the Steam Deck, you can reach 45-50 FPS with the right settings!"
As Stellar Blade's PC release date approaches, fans are eager to see how Sony and Shift Up will address these issues. Whether or not June 11 will see Stellar Blade still locked behind numerous restrictions remains to be seen. For more on Stellar Blade, check out our article below!
