PlayStation users can finally get their hands on Stellar Blade, but not everyone who has gotten the game is happy. One would think it could be a case of the buyer’s remorse. After all, you can’t tell if you’ll like a game without playing it. But that’s not the case here.
Many people were eager to get their hands on the title, but a certain section is looking to get a refund for its purchase. The pushback has gotten so severe that it’s pushed Sony to do something it rarely does. What’s the reason behind this controversy? False advertising.
Stellar Blade Forces Sony to Issue Refunds to Gamers
Sony is incredibly reluctant when it comes to offering refunds. The company will do everything it can to avoid this option, but sometimes it just needs to bite the bullet. When Cyberpunk 2077 was first released, Sony issued refunds for those who felt they had received an incomplete title, and now it has to do the same for those who feel they have been deceived by marketing.
Playstation is offering refunds for Stellar Blade if you claim false advertising as the reason https://t.co/B9TUX69wX5 pic.twitter.com/kPgsU9yiJq
— HazzadorGamin, Dragon of Dojima (@HazzadorGamin) April 28, 2024
The biggest point of controversy with Stellar Blade is and has been the character design. People find Hyung-Tae Kim’s character forms exaggerated and the costumes worn by Eve very suggestive. Kim has been clear that this is entertainment for adults, and an announcement from the game’s page on X shared that the title would get an uncensored global release.
However, those who installed the day-one patch noticed there were some very distinct changes to Eve’s costumes. They are no longer what was shown in the teaser material, and this has drawn the ire of many gamers.
It's over a principle.
— Boo Blanket (@blanket_boo) April 28, 2024
It was advertised as no censorship in any region, and it got censored by Sony. This is typical these days since they moved their HQ to California, and people are sick of it.
The censorship is not just for the costumes, as it seems some of the gore elements have been toned down as well.
Are people really refunding this over an outfit?
— Norm (@Norm905) April 28, 2024
However, some feel it’s being blown out of proportion for what seems to be just costumes.
Gamers Demand Refunds Based on the Principle of the Matter
Some may think it’s a bit of an overreaction for just having a bit of censorship, but others feel it’s a rational stand to take. According to many, the claim of a global, uncensored release is false advertising and misleads people into buying a game. At the end of the day, it’s the person’s money and what they deem alright when it comes to spending it.
Feeling disappointed by the toned-down violence in a game made for adults is not out of the ordinary. One of the most talked-about aspects of the game was the brutal combat and the intimidating monsters from the mind of Hee-Cheol Jang. Fans were no doubt looking forward to some incredible kill animations, which now feel watered down.
All of the teaser material from the game has been centered around showing Eve as a formidable force on the battlefield. The fluid animations and dynamic combat all point to a game focused on offense. The game has gore, but knowing it’s not the full picture is going to affect some gamers.
Would you demand a refund for a reason such as this? Let us know why or why not in the comments below!
