I never thought that a day would come when gamers would focus on costumes rather than gameplay and other mechanics that enhance the actual gaming experience. Now that some gamers are asking for refunds because of the supposed censorship of Stellar Blade by Shift Up, I can’t help but shudder.
Just yesterday, we reported that a petition titled “Free Stellar Blade” was started by former Blizzard Entertainment executive Mark Kern. That petition has crossed 54,000 signatures at the time of writing. Now, screenshots are emerging of players who are asking for refunds.
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“Stellar Blade is more than a game, it has become a cultural beacon for freedom of expression in a time where Game Publishers like Sony are censoring games more than ever,” Kern wrote in the description of the petition. “Stellar Blade was a breath of fresh air and gamer rallied behind it because it meant things were changing, getting better, and the voice of creative freedom was ringing loud and clear.”
“But for reasons unknown, the game was censored, changes were made. What we received after our good faith purchase was not the same as advertised. We believe in the game, we believe in Shift Up, and we are asking to get the game we believed in. Revert the censorship changes, patch the game, and you will find that even more gamers will join you and support you!”
Players are refunding the digital copies of Stellar Blade
At least, one player has shared a screenshot of the PlayStation Store issuing a refund for the digital purchase of Stellar Blade. The screenshot was posted on Asmongold’s subreddit. It is believed PlayStation Store will issue a refund if the reason is false advertising. The user who posted the screenshot said they got the refund using a false advertising claim.
“Thank you for contacting PlayStation Support,” read the message on the screenshot. “We have reviewed your case and approved your refund in the amount of USD 85.47. The funds are being returned to your original method of payment except where that is not possible, in which case they will go to your PSN wallet.”
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The game’s director has tried to issue a reason for the “final costume” saying that was the original intention of the studio from inception. The director added that he knows “this answer is not enough to convince our user” and that there “is an internal discussion ongoing”. Obviously, not everyone bought into that narrative.
If I heard a player refunded a game like Skull Island: Rise of Kong for false advertising, I would not blink an eyebrow to lend my voice in support. Everything from graphics to mechanics to intent was wrong about that game. However, when a player refunds a game because the character is too clad for their liking, it makes me wonder if they have real gameplay experience in mind in the first place or just craving AAA adult content.
The woke culture versus skin flick addicts
When Stellar Blade was announced, it was praised by some for being the pinnacle of “non-woke” game design because it featured a scantily clad female protagonist. However, it was criticized by others including IGN which said it objectified the female character’s sexuality.
However, after the release of the game, those who praised it as “non-woke” are now enraged because they think the protagonist is not scantily clad enough. The outfit that is mostly referenced is a bunny-style suit that appears to have been patched around the hips and cleavage to cover up curves that were previously exposed.
It is hard to talk for the non-woke culture without sounding like a skin flick addict, neither is it easy to talk against it without sounding like someone who is against artists’ and developers’ free creative expression. The entire buzz around Stellar Blade censorship is nauseating and bizarre.
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No doubt, there are so many adult content addicts out there who want to see their favorite content in every media. They will easily classify anyone who is not interested in those types of content as being woke.
One thing I believe in is the importance of diversity. Rather than trying to shove your interests into everyone’s face simply go for the games with the type of content you love (there are so many of them out there) and let everyone else enjoy their kind of games. Life should be that simple.
While it is claimed that Sony forced the hands of Shift Up to censor the outfit, there is no evidence to back that claim—especially when the game’s director has openly said what gamers have now was the initial intention for the game.
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What is even more hypocritical is that some of those who criticized the game when it was revealed for objectifying the female protagonist who happen to be a 3D scan of an actual Korean model are the same people crying about censorship.
Stellar Blade’s sales continues to hold strong
Inconsequential views (sometimes from a very small minority) like this could kill the commercial performance of a game. A post by @Zuby_Tech suggests that the game might have easily sold 1 million copies in 24 hours considering the fact that it was the most pre-ordered game on PlayStation Store in various regions.
Shift Up has yet to announce the official sales numbers of Stellar Blade. However, I am highly optimistic that the numbers would be impressive, just like the gameplay and graphics.
Those crying foul over the addition of an inch of lace were likely not after experiencing the game and getting emersed in its world. They were simply looking for something else—which they should easily get elsewhere. Interestingly, most may never even buy the game or wait for it to be heavily discounted before purchasing.
