In a welcome move for players, the developers of the upcoming action-adventure game Stellar Blade have confirmed that the title will receive free post-launch updates, including a New Game Plus mode, and will not feature any intrusive microtransactions.
In an interview with the South Korean gaming community Ruliweb, Shift Up CEO Kim Hyeong-tae revealed the studio’s content plans for Stellar Blade after its release on April 26 for the PlayStation 5. While the developer has not yet fully determined the game’s DLC strategy, Hyeong-tae stated that free updates will bring new skins and outfits for the protagonist, Eve.
Notably, Hyeong-tae also clarified that Stellar Blade will not require any additional purchases beyond the base game’s price tag, except for potential collaborations with other IPs that may result in paid costume DLC. “We would like to make it clear here that Stellar Blade does not require any additional expenses that gamers are not aware of other than the cost of purchasing the package,” the CEO said.
In addition to the free content updates, Hyeong-tae confirmed that Stellar Blade will also receive a New Game Plus mode, providing players with more opportunities to revisit and experience the game’s stylish, character-driven action.
The developer’s commitment to a player-friendly post-launch approach is a refreshing contrast to the widespread implementation of microtransactions in many modern games, even those focused on single-player experiences. Shift Up’s stance aligns with recent comments from CD Projekt Red, the studio behind Cyberpunk 2077, which also stated that it does not see a place for microtransactions in single-player games.
With Stellar Blade’s release just around the corner, this news will no doubt be welcomed by players eager to immerse themselves in the game’s visually striking world and compelling protagonist without the fear of encountering predatory monetization tactics. The promise of free updates and a New Game Plus mode further adds to the game’s value proposition, positioning Stellar Blade as a title that prioritizes delivering a complete, player-centric experience.
