Stellar Blade, initially a PlayStation exclusive, is officially coming to PC in 2025! This announcement follows earlier speculation and confirms SHIFT UP's plans for PC platform expansion. The developer cited the rising popularity of PC gaming and the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong as key drivers behind this decision.
While a precise release date remains unannounced, SHIFT UP aims to maintain the game's momentum through various strategies. These include a collaborative DLC with NieR: Automata (releasing November 20th), the introduction of a Photo Mode (also launching November 20th), and ongoing marketing efforts.
However, the PC release introduces a potential concern. As a Sony-published title and with SHIFT UP's second-party status, Stellar Blade might necessitate linking Steam accounts to PlayStation Network (PSN). This could significantly impact accessibility, potentially excluding players in regions without PSN access.
This PSN linking requirement, justified by Sony as a measure to ensure safe gameplay, has raised questions, particularly regarding its application to single-player games. While the necessity of PSN for Stellar Blade's PC version remains unconfirmed, its potential impact on sales is undeniable. SHIFT UP aims for PC sales to surpass console sales, a goal that could be challenged by this restriction.
The future of Stellar Blade on PC hinges on this PSN requirement. While SHIFT UP retains IP ownership, the possibility of a PSN link remains a significant factor. For more on Stellar Blade's initial release, a review is available (link omitted for brevity).