Stellar Blade PC版带Denuvo并设区域锁

Stellar Blade is set to make its PC debut with a range of exciting enhancements. However, like other Sony-backed titles, it comes with certain regional restrictions. Here's what you need to know about the bonus content and the implications for countries without PSN access.

Stellar Blade’s PC Release: The Good and The Bad

The Good: PS5 Players Get Free Update with New Content and Features

Stellar Blade, the stylish action RPG from Shift Up, is expanding its reach with a PC release that promises numerous enhancements. However, its journey to PC has been somewhat turbulent, with Sony prematurely posting the game's trailer and unexpected regional restrictions.

Before the official announcement on May 15, Sony inadvertently revealed key details about Stellar Blade's PC version through a trailer uploaded to the official PlayStation YouTube channel. This trailer, which was quickly removed, included the release date and other specifics.

Shift Up has confirmed that PlayStation 5 players will also benefit from the new content introduced with the PC release. In a PlayStation Blog post, Shift Up’s technical director, DongKi Lee, detailed the enhancements coming to both platforms. These include support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 upscaling, unlocked framerates exceeding 120 FPS, and ultrawide aspect ratio compatibility ranging from 5:4 to 32:9. Additionally, players can expect high-resolution textures, full keyboard and mouse remapping, DualSense controller support with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and new voiceover options in Japanese and Chinese.

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

The Bad: Stellar Blade PC Launch Marred by Regional Restrictions and Denuvo DRM

Date from SteamDB

While PS5 players are set to receive a bonus, the PC launch of Stellar Blade has faced significant challenges, including regional restrictions and the inclusion of Denuvo DRM. According to SteamDB, the game is currently unavailable for purchase on Steam in over 100 countries.

Shift Up confirmed that players do not need to connect their Steam profiles with their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to play the RPG. However, there is a significant overlap between the countries where Stellar Blade is blocked on Steam and regions without PSN services, leading many to believe Sony, the game's publisher, is responsible for these restrictions.

The reason behind these widespread regional blocks appears to be linked to Sony’s approach to its PC game releases and the integration of the PSN. Sony has been increasingly porting its PlayStation exclusives to PC to broaden its audience. However, this expansion has sometimes been accompanied by a requirement for players to connect their Steam profiles to their PSN accounts. This isn't a problem for countries with access to PSN, but it poses a challenge in regions where the service is not officially supported.

Sony justified this requirement in their November 2024 Investor Call, with Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki stating it ensures everyone can "safely" enjoy their live-service games. While this may be understandable for games like Helldivers 2, it raises questions about why single-player titles like Stellar Blade and the Horizon series are subject to such restrictions.

The extent of these blocks has surprised many, including, it seems, the developers themselves, as evidenced by their responses on Twitter (X). When asked why the game was not available in certain regions, the Stellar Blade official X account responded, "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 replies to similar inquiries were similar.

This issue echoes previous controversies surrounding PSN account linking, notably the backlash against Helldivers 2’s PSN requirement, which led to widespread negative reviews and forced Sony to reverse its policy.

Additionally, the inclusion of Denuvo in the PC release has raised concerns among players. Denuvo is a technology designed to prevent piracy, but it is often criticized for potentially impacting performance and restricting how players can use their games.

However, the official Stellar Blade X account 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 Stellar Blade’s PC release date approaches, fans are eager to see how Sony and Shift Up will address these issues. It remains to be seen whether June 11 will see Stellar Blade still locked behind numerous restrictions. For more on Stellar Blade, check out our article below!