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 substantial bonus reflects the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 release.
Stellar Blade, despite initial controversy, achieved widespread popularity on the PS5, boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic and garnering numerous awards and nominations. Its fast-paced combat, striking art style, and memorable soundtrack have resonated with players and critics alike. The game's continued success is further fueled by several high-profile collaborations.
A heartwarming video shared on Twitter showcased Shift Up's over 300 employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros. A company representative stated that the generous bonuses, including the console and cash reward, aim to incentivize and motivate the team for future projects. This follows Shift Up's highly successful July 2024 initial public offering (IPO), the second largest in South Korea that year, raising $320 million.
The game's momentum continues with ongoing collaborations. A Nier: Automata crossover DLC launched in November 2024, introducing new items and costumes. A future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke was also announced in late December, though specifics remain undisclosed. A holiday event in mid-December added festive decorations, music, and costumes to the game.
While initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025. This decision, announced in June 2024, follows the game's impressive sales figures: one million units sold within its first two months on the PS5. Shift Up anticipates strong performance on the PC platform.
