Shift Up, the developer behind the acclaimed game Stellar Blade, has announced a record-breaking financial year, with the game generating a staggering $43 million in royalties. The success story continues to unfold as the upcoming PC version is projected to surpass the sales of the original PlayStation 5 release.
According to a report by Game World Observer, Shift Up's 2024 financial report showcased a robust revenue of $151.4 million, marking a significant 30.4% increase from the previous year. A notable chunk of this revenue, $43.2 million, was attributed to royalties from Stellar Blade alone.
The momentum for Stellar Blade shows no signs of waning, with Shift Up expressing confidence that the PC version will perform even better than the console edition, particularly in the lucrative Asian gaming market. Looking ahead, Shift Up is set to unveil its new project, Project Witches, in the first half of 2025. While fans eagerly await news of a Stellar Blade sequel, Project Witches was introduced shortly after the PS5 launch of Stellar Blade in 2024, before the demand for a sequel could fully develop. Nonetheless, Shift Up has hinted at the possibility of expanding the Stellar Blade franchise with another game.
Stellar Blade immerses players in the role of Eve, who embarks on a thrilling mission to reclaim Earth from mysterious invaders through fast-paced, action-packed RPG combat. Despite receiving a commendable 7/10 from IGN, the game has resonated well with gamers, swiftly reaching the milestone of one million copies sold.
IGN's review praised Stellar Blade for its excellence in core action game elements but noted that it was held back by unengaging characters, a lackluster narrative, and some frustrating aspects of its RPG mechanics, preventing it from reaching the pinnacle of the genre.