Demo for Highly Anticipated Game Stellar Blade Pulled Shortly After Release
March 8, 2024
Unexpected Removal Sparks Concerns over Game Preservation
The highly anticipated demo for the action-roleplaying game, Stellar Blade, was released on the PS5 PlayStation Store earlier today, only to be quickly removed without any explanation from either Sony or developer Shift Up.
Players who had managed to download the demo also found their access entirely revoked, making it impossible to play, even if it had been installed on their console.
While it remains unclear whether the demo was released earlier than planned or removed due to an unforeseen bug, this incident once again raises questions regarding the reliability of game preservation when it is the responsibility of major publishers.
Unprecedented Practice from Sony
Observant social media users were quick to point out that this practice of pulling a demo without prior notice is unheard of for Sony, even considering the cancelation of previously released playable teasers.
With this recent incident, concerns regarding the control that large publishers possess over digital copies emerge, further deepening doubts about the true nature of digital ownership.
Warner Brother Discovery’s Influence on Game Preservation
This issue sheds light on countless other games that have been lost to legal issues or other vague reasons.
Warner Brother Discovery, for example, is currently extending its film policy to its video game division, resulting in the removal of dozens of indie games from online storefronts in pursuit of tax benefits.
Additionally, Spec Ops: The Line, a cult classic shooter, was also recently unavailable for purchase due to the expiration of partnership licenses.
Still Awaiting Full Release
Despite the demo’s removal, fans of Stellar Blade can still look forward to its scheduled full release on April 26 (source).
