Just over two years ago, developer SHIFT UP and PlayStation Publishing released Stellar Blade for the PS5 — an exclusive for the console, and a sci-fi action RPG that rapidly became a big hit on the platform. Clearly inspired by the beloved 2017 ARPG NieR: Automata, the game was highly praised for its satisfying fast-paced combat systems and audiovisual presentation, though its writing had a mixed reception.
Still, Stellar Blade performed incredibly well, and eventually came to PC via Steam a year after launch; it sold excellently there, too, to the point where SHIFT UP made mention of "engaging an even broader global audience" beyond PS5 and PC. Naturally, this made everyone think the studio was looking to make an Xbox port, with recent statements on its website fueling that speculation further.
I'm not entirely sure what "the distinctive identity of the IP" means, or how going independent will allow SHIFT UP to "lead marketing strategies that fully reflect" it in ways that it couldn't under PlayStation. It could be something related to the attractive appearance of its protagonist Eve, which was celebrated by many, but that's just a guess.
What does appear clear, though, is that mentions of reaching "a broad global audience from day one" seem like a clear allusion to Xbox and plans to bring Stellar Blade to Microsoft's platform, and perhaps also Nintendo Switch 2 as well. By going independent, SHIFT UP could release Stellar Blade's sequel anywhere it wants, and may be negotiating with Sony to do the same with the original action RPG too.
Ultimately, only time will tell if the studio brings the Stellar Blade franchise to Xbox, but between these comments and previous ones, I'd argue it's looking very likely that it does. Since the series already came to PC, I also think it's likely we'll see the sequel release on PC day one, if not everywhere.
Should the series make it to Xbox in the end, I suspect it will perform very well on Microsoft's consoles. After all, it's one of the most popular action RPGs in recent memory, and was a strong seller on PC when it released on that platform. I'm sure there are tons of Xbox fans who would love to get their hands on it, just like there were with Helldivers 2 before that game came to Xbox last year and proceeded to sell like hotcakes.
Would you be excited to see Stellar Blade and/or its sequel come to Xbox? Do you believe the sequel will launch on it? Share your thoughts in the comments, and in the below poll.
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