In light of increasing concerns regarding geographical limitations, game developer Shift Up has officially announced its ongoing collaboration with Sony to rectify the regional lock dilemma affecting the anticipated Steam launch of *Stellar Blade*, scheduled for June 11th. As of May 16th, players from over 120 countries found themselves unable to access the game, with no clear explanation provided.
Through a direct social media update, Shift Up assured its community of gamers that it is determined to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. The team emphasized that they are doing their “BEST” to tackle “most of” the problem, while also pledging to keep players updated with any new developments. This commitment to transparent communication is crucial as the gaming community awaits timely resolutions.
The situation has been further complicated by the announcement that the PC version of *Stellar Blade* will incorporate Denuvo anti-piracy technology. This revelation has generated discontent among some gamers. However, Shift Up has taken proactive measures, sharing a performance chart that indicates the DRM system aims to maintain average frame rates, with certain configurations even boosting minimum frame rates, providing some reassurance to performance-focused players.
Moreover, the studio clarified, “Mods are fully supported without any restrictions.” Importantly, players will not be required to create a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to enjoy the game, a move aimed at preventing any repeat of past pitfalls. Players can also anticipate feature parity between the PC and PS5 versions, and early adopters will continue to receive updates to ensure they stay competitive.
Regional restrictions have historically been a contentious topic within the gaming community. Notably, *Helldivers 2* faced significant backlash after introducing similar PSN requirements, leading to its removal from distribution in 177 countries—a situation that highlights the influence of community feedback on corporate practices. Unlike this precedent, Shift Up has made it clear that a PSN account will not be essential for gameplay, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing player experience.
In a recent review, *Stellar Blade* received four out of five stars from Nova Play, commending its unique combination of enthralling musical scores and riveting combat mechanics. The review emphasized the game’s ability to immerse players in a “flow-state,” underscoring its potential as a must-play title despite the surrounding controversies.
