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 substantial gift follows the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 release.
Stellar Blade, initially met with some minor controversy regarding 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 success even prompted Nier creator Yoko Taro to controversially claim it surpasses NieR: Automata—a statement the Stellar Blade director refuted.
The celebratory bonuses, announced via a heartwarming video showcasing employees receiving their PS5 Pros, underscore Shift Up's appreciation for its 300+ employees' hard work. A company representative stated the bonuses aim to incentivize continued dedication. This generosity follows Shift Up's impressive $320 million fundraising on the South Korean stock market in July 2024, marking the second-largest IPO of the year.
Stellar Blade's popularity continues to grow, fueled by successful collaborations. A NieR: Automata crossover DLC launched in November 2024, introducing new content, and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke is also planned. A holiday event in mid-December further enhanced the game's appeal.
Initially a PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025, a decision announced in June 2024 based on the studio's confidence in its PC performance. The game's impressive one million PS5 sales within its first two months clearly demonstrate its market appeal.
