Ahead of the much-anticipated PC release of Stellar Blade in June, a wave of disappointment has washed over players as they encounter the all-too-familiar region-lock message. This restriction affects gamers in 130 countries, limiting access to the title. For those interested in the specifics, a comprehensive list of the affected regions can be found on SteamDB. Notably, six countries—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, and Vietnam—are marked by the absence of a price point, while others face outright barriers to activation or purchase.
Controversial PSN Requirements
The gaming community has long grappled with the implications of PlayStation Network (PSN) requirements, which have sparked considerable debate. A recent social media post from the developers clarified that “PSN connecting is entirely optional and never required.” However, this statement raises eyebrows, especially since PSN restrictions have been imposed on titles like Horizon Forbidden West ten months post-launch, despite the game not necessitating an internet connection.
The controversy surrounding PSN requirements gained traction following the backlash against Helldivers 2, which faced over 200,000 negative reviews after a mandatory PSN integration was enforced. This pattern continued with subsequent releases, including God of War: Ragnarok, which also fell victim to review-bombing due to similar restrictions.
Despite the developers’ assurances that PSN accounts are optional for players in regions where they are available, the reality is more complex. As explained by PCG’s Harvey Randall, the underlying issue often stems from exchange rate disparities. When a game is priced significantly lower in one country compared to another, it opens the door for key resellers to exploit these differences, leading to the proliferation of cheaper keys on the grey market.
While the rationale behind these practices may be rooted in economic considerations, the frustration among players remains palpable. Shift Up, the developer behind Stellar Blade, has expressed their commitment to addressing the region lock issue. In a recent social media update, they stated, “We are closely discussing the region lock issue with the publisher and are doing our BEST to resolve most of it as soon as possible.”
Given the challenges faced in negotiating the removal of the PSN requirement for Helldivers 2, it’s uncertain whether the team behind Stellar Blade will achieve similar success. Nevertheless, their determination to advocate for players’ access is commendable and reflects a growing awareness of the concerns within the gaming community.
