If you felt like Stellar Blade’s overall storytelling was lackluster compared to the depth of its other aspects, you aren’t the only one. Director Hyung-tae Kim admits that the game’s total cutscene count had to be reduced to cut down on production costs and improve efficiency, thus resulting in details of the story being left out. Thanks to the game’s success, however, the planned sequel is set to have a richer narrative.
In an interview with South Korean outlet This is Game (spotted by Genki), Kim reveals that while Stellar Blade’s core gameplay systems were completed relatively early in development, cutscenes proved hard to create. According to the director, South Korean studios are generally not equipped with the manpower nor the systems needed for developing narrative-centered games. Though this could change in the future, this was not the case during Stellar Blade’s development.
This led to the development team cutting several planned cutscenes that built upon Stellar Blade’s world. Scenes focused on characters’ worldviews and narratives had to be cut, with one in particular explaining why the main protagonist, Eve, constantly changes clothes. As fleshed out as some side characters are in the final release, there were multiple NPCs whose stories were left on the cutting room floor.
While the developers are eager to expound on Stellar Blade’s narrative with free updates, they think that hastily adding more story elements will clash with the established lore. Now that a sequel has been announced, the plan is to refine all the missing story pieces (including those from a canceled story DLC) from the first game and add them to a new, richer narrative that will push the franchise forward.
When asked about the sequel, Kim says that all the team’s manpower is currently invested in Stellar Blade’s PC version. Once its issues have been addressed and the post-release content has been released, the proper research and development period for Stellar Blade 2 can begin. Kim hopes that the sequel will come out in 2027, but with roughly three years left, it seems unlikely. However, he guarantees that Stellar Blade 2 will be a “great work” that serves as a culmination of Shift Up’s efforts.
As an aside, Kim has previously commented that Stellar Blade’s sequel will reveal the real ages of Eve and the rest of the cast – who are all apparently older than most players might assume.
Stellar Blade is available for PC and PlayStation 5.
