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

As Stellar Blade gears up for its much-anticipated PC release, developer SHIFT UP has tackled fan concerns head-on, particularly regarding the game's use of Denuvo (DRM) and potential region lock issues. Let's dive into how these elements might impact your gaming experience and what the future holds for this exciting title.

Stellar Blade PC Updates

SHIFT UP Addressed DRM Concerns

With Stellar Blade's impending release on PC, the inclusion of Denuvo (DRM) sparked discussions among the gaming community. On May 17, SHIFT UP took to Twitter (X) to reassure fans, stating, "DRM has been hard tuned to maintain the same average frame rate, with even higher minimum frames in some cases." Denuvo is an anti-tamper technology designed to prevent piracy and unauthorized distribution of games, yet its impact on game performance has long been a point of contention.

SHIFT UP's performance tests, which compared the game's performance with and without DRM, revealed virtually no difference in average, minimum, and maximum frame rates, as well as 1% and 0.1% low frame rates. Moreover, the studio confirmed that Stellar Blade fully supports mods without any restrictions, a common issue with DRM-protected games. While fans appreciate this transparency, many still hope that SHIFT UP will consider removing Denuvo altogether to enhance the game's accessibility.

Region Lock Issues

Another hot topic surrounding Stellar Blade's PC release is the potential region lock issues tied to PlayStation's network. Despite the game not requiring a PlayStation Network (PSN) connection, certain regions globally will face access restrictions due to lack of PSN support in over 130 countries.

SHIFT UP has been proactive, stating they are "closely discussing the region lock issue with the publisher and are doing our BEST to resolve most of it as soon as possible." They've assured fans that both PC and PS5 versions will feature identical content, ensuring "early buyers are never at a disadvantage through future updates."

Although fans commend SHIFT UP's efforts to address these concerns, the preference remains for a DRM-free game without the constraints imposed by PSN. Stellar Blade's PC version is slated for release on June 11 via Steam. Keep an eye on our updates to stay informed about the latest developments on this thrilling title.