Stellar Blade director and Shift Up CEO Kim Hyung-tae has declared that he sees no need to regulate adult mods for the game’s recent PC release, emphasizing a philosophy of player ownership and creative freedom. With the action RPG’s PC launch on June 11, 2025, sparking a surge of mods—many of them risqué—Kim’s comments have ignited discussions about the role of modding in gaming and the balance between developer intent and community creativity.
In an interview with South Korean outlet This Is Game, Kim addressed the influx of mods, particularly those altering the appearance of protagonist Eve, often in provocative ways. “Stellar Blade is rated as unsuitable for minors, so I don’t think there’s any justification for regulating such mods,” he stated. His reasoning hinges on the game’s mature rating and his belief that once a player purchases the game, it belongs to them to customize as they see fit. This hands-off approach is a rare departure from the industry norm, where developers often tightly control how their games are modified.
The PC release of Stellar Blade has been a massive success, surpassing 1 million sales in just three days and breaking records for PlayStation’s single-player PC ports. With this success came an explosion of mods, many hosted on platforms like Nexus Mods, where the top trending modifications focus heavily on Eve’s appearance—think skimpier outfits or altered body proportions. While some outlets, like PC Gamer, have criticized this trend as excessive, Kim remains unfazed, viewing modding as a natural extension of player expression.
However, Kim’s support for modding comes with a gentle nudge for modders to “stay within reason” and avoid “anti-social” or harmful content. He expressed a hope that the modding community would explore beyond cosmetic changes, such as new costumes, to create mods that enhance gameplay, like tweaking difficulty or adding new mechanics. “Since we don’t provide official modding tools, it’s hard to change the entire game, but we’re looking forward to seeing mods that slightly change the way you enjoy the game,” he said. Kim playfully challenged modders, noting that their “firepower is still weak” compared to the game’s official content, encouraging more innovative contributions.
Kim’s stance has resonated with many in the gaming community, with posts on X praising his commitment to creative freedom. One user hailed his approach as a stand against over-moderation, arguing that mature-rated games should cater to adult audiences without interference. Yet, Kim also cautioned against mods that could disrupt the game’s functionality or involve exorbitant pricing, advocating for a “creative culture like a party where they all enjoy it together.”
This modding controversy isn’t the only topic Kim addressed. He also acknowledged criticism of Stellar Blade’s narrative, admitting that budget constraints led to fewer cutscenes and a weaker story than intended. Looking ahead, he promised a richer narrative for a potential Stellar Blade 2, currently in early development with a tentative 2027 release.
Kim’s embrace of modding reflects a broader trend of developers recognizing the value of community-driven content. By trusting players to shape their experience—within the bounds of common sense—he’s fostering a vibrant, engaged community. As Stellar Blade continues to dominate on PC, it’s clear that Kim’s philosophy of “once the game is purchased, it belongs to the user” is a game-changer in more ways than one.
