Shift Up, the developer behind the critically 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 followed the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 launch.
Stellar Blade, despite initial controversy surrounding its protagonist's attire, quickly became a major hit on the PS5. Its impressive 82 average score on OpenCritic, numerous awards and nominations, and fast-paced combat, stunning art style, and captivating soundtrack contributed to its popularity. The game's success even prompted Nier creator Yoko Taro to controversially claim it surpassed NieR: Automata—a statement the Stellar Blade director refuted.
The company's celebratory gesture, highlighted in a heartwarming video on Twitter, showcased over 300 employees receiving their PS5 Pros. A company representative stated the substantial bonus aimed to boost employee morale and incentivize future endeavors. This generosity comes after Shift Up's impressive $320 million fundraising on the South Korean stock market in July 2024, marking the second-largest IPO of the year.
Continued Success and Future Plans
Stellar Blade's popularity continues to grow, fueled by successful collaborations. A NieR: Automata crossover in November 2024 introduced new in-game items and costumes, and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke was announced in late December. A holiday event in mid-December further enhanced the game with festive decorations, music, and outfits.
Initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025, although a specific date remains unannounced. Shift Up's June 2024 announcement regarding a PC port reflected their confidence in the game's potential on the platform, following its impressive one million PS5 unit sales within the first two months of release.
