Stellar Blade is preparing for its PC launch with a range of improvements. However, similar to other titles supported by Sony, the game encounters regional limitations. Continue reading to discover the additional content and the challenges for regions lacking PSN access.

Stellar Blade's PC Release: The Highlights and Challenges

The Highlights: PS5 Players Receive Free Update with New Content and Features

Stellar Blade, the visually striking action RPG developed by Shift Up, is set to broaden its audience with a PC version that boasts numerous enhancements. Yet, its path to PC has faced hurdles, including Sony's premature release of the game's trailer and unexpected regional restrictions, which even the developers seemed unprepared for.

Before the official announcement on May 15, Sony inadvertently provided an early look at Stellar Blade's PC launch by uploading a trailer to the PlayStation YouTube channel, which disclosed the release date among other details. Although the trailer was quickly removed, the internet managed to capture and spread the information.

Shift Up has also confirmed that PlayStation 5 players will benefit from the new content introduced in the PC version.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, DongKi Lee, the technical director at Shift Up, outlined the enhancements coming to both platforms. These include support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 upscaling technologies, unlocked frame rates surpassing 120 FPS, and compatibility with ultrawide aspect ratios from 5:4 to 32:9. Players can also anticipate high-resolution textures, full keyboard and mouse remapping options, DualSense controller support with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and new voiceover options in Japanese and Chinese.

The PC version will feature new content such as a boss fight against Mann, the leader of the Sentinels, and 25 additional costumes for the protagonist, Eve. This content will be accessible to PlayStation 5 users via a free update on the same day.

The Challenges: Stellar Blade's PC Launch Hindered by Regional Restrictions and Denuvo DRM

Date from SteamDB

While PS5 players receive additional benefits, the PC launch of Stellar Blade has been less than smooth, affected by significant regional restrictions and the use 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 link their Steam accounts to their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to play the RPG. However, there is a notable overlap between countries where Stellar Blade is blocked on Steam and regions without PSN services, leading many to believe that Sony, the game's publisher, is behind these restrictions.

The reason for these widespread regional blocks seems to be tied to Sony's strategy for its PC game releases and the integration of PSN. Sony has been increasingly porting its PlayStation exclusives to PC to reach a wider audience. However, this expansion has sometimes come with the requirement for players to connect their Steam profiles to their PSN accounts. This isn't a major issue in countries with PSN access, but it poses a problem in regions where the service is not officially supported.

Sony's justification for this requirement was provided by Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki during their November 2024 Investor Call, stating it ensures players can "safely" enjoy their live-service games. This explanation might make sense for titles like Helldivers 2, but it raises questions about its application to single-player games like Stellar Blade and the Horizon series.

The extent of these blocks has surprised many, including the developers, as evidenced by their responses to players on Twitter (X). When asked why the game was unavailable 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 responses to similar inquiries were similar.

This situation recalls previous controversies over PSN account linking, notably the backlash against Helldivers 2's PSN requirement, which resulted in widespread negative reviews and forced Sony to reverse its policy.

Additionally, the inclusion of Denuvo DRM in the PC version has raised concerns among players. Denuvo is intended to combat piracy but is often criticized by PC gamers for potentially affecting performance and limiting how players can use their games.

However, the official Stellar Blade X account has 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 the PC release date of Stellar Blade approaches, fans are eager to see how Sony and Shift Up will address these issues, if at all. It remains to be seen whether June 11 will find Stellar Blade still facing these restrictions. For more on Stellar Blade, check out our article below!

Stellar Blade

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