Shift Up, the developer behind the acclaimed action-adventure game Stellar Blade, recently rewarded its employees with a generous year-end bonus: a PlayStation 5 Pro and approximately $3,400. This significant gesture follows the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 launch.
Stellar Blade, despite initial controversy surrounding its character design, quickly became a critical and commercial triumph on the PS5. Boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic and garnering numerous awards and nominations, the game's fast-paced combat, stunning visuals, and captivating soundtrack have resonated strongly with players. The game's popularity continues to grow, fueled by several high-profile collaborations.
A heartwarming video shared on Shift Up's Twitter account showcased employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros. All of the studio's 300+ employees received this bonus, along with the substantial cash reward. The company stated the bonuses aim to incentivize and motivate its team. This generosity comes after Shift Up's highly successful July 2024 initial public offering (IPO), raising $320 million – the second-largest in South Korea that year.
Shift Up's commitment to its employees is further underscored by the game's continued success. Recent collaborations, including a Nier: Automata crossover in November 2024 and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke, have kept Stellar Blade in the spotlight. A holiday-themed update in December added festive decorations, music, and costumes.
Looking ahead, a PC port of Stellar Blade is slated for release in 2025. The decision to bring the game to PC follows the title's impressive PS5 sales – one million units within its first two months – and Shift Up's confidence in its PC performance.
