
SHIFT UP, the developer behind Stellar Blade, has responded to player concerns about the game's DRM protection and regional restrictions. Here's everything you need to know about how DRM impacts gameplay and their plans to address region locking challenges.
Latest Updates on Stellar Blade PC Version
SHIFT UP Clarifies DRM Implementation
Ahead of Stellar Blade's PC launch, SHIFT UP addressed community worries regarding Denuvo integration. In a May 17 Twitter post, the team explained: "Our DRM implementation maintains consistent average frame rates while improving minimum fps in certain scenarios."
Digital Rights Management (DRM) serves as anti-piracy technology used by developers to prevent unauthorized copying. While Denuvo remains controversial due to potential performance impacts, SHIFT UP shared comparative benchmark results showing nearly identical performance metrics - including average, minimum, and peak frame rates - between DRM-protected and unprotected versions.

Notably, the developer confirmed full mod support without limitations, addressing another common DRM-related concern. While players appreciate this transparency, many continue advocating for complete Denuvo removal to improve accessibility.
Regional Availability Challenges

Regional restrictions pose another hurdle for Stellar Blade's global PC release. Despite not requiring PlayStation Network (PSN) connectivity, the game remains unavailable in over 130 countries lacking PSN infrastructure.
SHIFT UP acknowledged they're "actively collaborating with publishers to resolve regional limitations promptly," ensuring parity between PC and PS5 content. The team emphasized maintaining fair treatment for early adopters through future updates.
While the developer's responsiveness is commendable, players still hope for DRM-free solutions and broader regional availability. Stellar Blade launches on Steam June 11 - stay informed with our latest coverage below!
