Stellar Blade Mod Debate Ignites, Director Holds Firm

The director of Stellar Blade believes in not restricting adult-oriented mods. Discover the developer's perspective on the game's modding community and the studio's future content expansion strategies.

Stellar Blade Director Discusses Player Freedom and Future Roadmap

Modding Enhances the Gaming Experience

Following its recent Steam launch, Stellar Blade is set to maintain its permissive stance on user-created mods, including those with mature content. Director and ShiftUp CEO Hyung-tae Kim views modding as a way to broaden the game's scope and enrich player experiences. In a June 14 interview with South Korean outlet This Is Game, Kim expressed his support for mods when used appropriately, while warning, "However, some cases border on hacking or disrupt normal gameplay. Users should remain mindful of this."

Technical Director Dong-gi Lee cautioned that certain mods could potentially cause technical issues, advising players to exercise care. He clarified, "Mods haven't undergone our testing or review processes. While we support players using mods, we recommend reverting to the original game version if any operational problems occur."

Kim addressed the topic of adult-themed modifications directly, stating his reluctance to limit creative expression. He emphasized that since Stellar Blade carries a mature rating, there's no justification for banning such content. Kim hopes players will engage with the creative community and customize their experiences according to personal preference.

"Players have the freedom to enjoy their purchased games as they see fit. I don't believe in imposing restrictions in this area. However, as responsible adults, I trust our community to use discretion regarding socially sensitive content," he elaborated.

Regarding potential misuse of game assets, Kim explained that responsibility lies with players after purchase, advocating for full game ownership rather than temporary access models common in today's industry.

He added, "Naturally, we would intervene in cases of public harm, though we haven't encountered such situations. I believe these matters are best handled through community self-regulation rather than corporate oversight."

Kim reaffirmed that post-purchase usage falls outside developer jurisdiction, maintaining his position against implementing punitive measures.

Planned DLC Evolved Into Full Sequel

During ShiftUp's May 16 investor presentation, the studio revealed development timelines for a Stellar Blade sequel targeting release before 2027. Kim confirmed "Stellar Blade 2" is in development while the team remains focused on the newly launched PC edition.

He disclosed that the sequel originated as downloadable content that outgrew its initial scope. "A 2027 release would be ideal, but with only three years remaining, we'll do our utmost. I can promise it will be worth the wait," Kim stated.

He acknowledged narrative shortcomings in the original game, attributing this to greater emphasis on gameplay mechanics and the evolving nature of Korean story-driven development. While cautious about immediate content additions, Kim pledged improved storytelling for the sequel.

Stellar Blade maintains strong momentum with its PC version achieving over 192,000 concurrent Steam players and "Very Positive" platform reviews.

Game8's review awarded the PC release 90/100 for visual enhancements, additional missions, and new customization options, deeming it the definitive edition. The removal of regional restrictions further improved global accessibility. For detailed impressions, explore our full coverage below.