Stellar Blade DRM and Region Lock Issues Addressed Ahead of PC Release

Stellar Blade's developer, SHIFT UP, has addressed fan concerns about the game's use of DRM and its region lock issues as it prepares for its upcoming PC release. Dive in to understand how these elements impact the game and what the developer plans to do about them.

Stellar Blade PC Updates

SHIFT UP Addressed DRM Concerns

As Stellar Blade gears up for its PC debut, developer SHIFT UP has tackled the contentious topic of Denuvo (DRM). In a recent Twitter (X) post dated May 17, they reassured fans by stating, "DRM has been fine-tuned to maintain the same average frame rate, with even higher minimum frames in some instances."

DRM, or Digital Rights Management, serves as an anti-tamper technology aimed at thwarting unauthorized copying and distribution, which can make it challenging for individuals to pirate and distribute cracked versions of the game. The use of Denuvo has sparked debate due to its potential impact on game performance.

SHIFT UP shared detailed performance test results comparing the game's performance with and without DRM. Their data showed that the game's average, minimum, maximum, 1% low, and 0.1% low frame rates remained consistent across both scenarios.

Furthermore, SHIFT UP confirmed that Stellar Blade fully supports mods without any limitations, a common concern with DRM-protected games. While fans appreciated the studio's transparency, many expressed a preference for the game to be released without Denuvo to enhance accessibility.

Region Lock Issues

Another pressing issue surrounding Stellar Blade's PC release involves region lock issues linked to PlayStation's network. Even though the game does not necessitate a connection to the PlayStation Network (PSN), it remains inaccessible in over 130 countries where PSN is not supported.

SHIFT UP has stated they are "actively engaging with the publisher to address the region lock issue and are committed to resolving it swiftly." They stressed that both the PC and PS5 versions of Stellar Blade will feature identical content, ensuring "early buyers are never disadvantaged by future updates."

Despite the developer's efforts to address these concerns, fans still hope for a version of the game free from both DRM and the constraints imposed by PSN. Stellar Blade is slated for release on PC via Steam on June 11. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest news on the game!