Stellar Blade has swiftly ascended to the pinnacle of popularity on the PlayStation 5, dominating the charts on the PlayStation Store and witnessing a remarkable sell-out of merchandise. With its transition from a former exclusive to a broader audience, fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival on PC later this year. However, as with any new platform launch, challenges loom on the horizon. Shift Up, the developer behind Stellar Blade, has proactively addressed several controversies ahead of the game’s release on June 11th, including concerns regarding console-locked content and frame rate performance.
Community Concerns Addressed
The announcement of the Stellar Blade PC port was met with enthusiasm, especially following the successful launch of the Black Myth: Wukong PC version. Yet, as the release date approaches, discussions surrounding the game’s specifications, region lock challenges, and potential exclusive content for consoles have stirred unease among fans eager to experience the game.
In response to these concerns, the development team took to the official Stellar Blade X account to provide clarity. They reassured players that:
- Discussions regarding the region lock issue are ongoing, with efforts being made to resolve them promptly.
- The PC version will maintain parity with the PlayStation version in terms of content, ensuring that early adopters will not face disadvantages through future updates.
- A PlayStation Network account will not be necessary to enjoy the game on PC.
However, the introduction of Denuvo, a digital rights management (DRM) software, has ignited significant debate within the gaming community. This DRM, designed to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution, has garnered criticism for its potential impact on frame rates and its implications for legitimate consumers. Notably, the requirement for an Internet connection raises concerns about offline playability, while the installation of residual files post-uninstallation has also drawn scrutiny.
Despite the backlash, the Stellar Blade team remains committed to utilizing Denuvo, asserting that the software has been finely tuned to sustain average frame rates, with some instances showing improved minimum frames.
As the clock ticks down to June 11th, Stellar Blade is already available for pre-order on Steam, priced at .99 for the base version—mirroring its PS5 counterpart. For those seeking additional content, a .99 Complete Edition is also on offer, featuring bonus costumes and crossovers with NieR: Automata and Goddess of Victory: Nikke.
