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, despite initial minor controversies, achieved widespread popularity on the PS5, garnering an 82 average score on OpenCritic and receiving numerous awards and nominations. Its fast-paced combat, striking art style, and captivating soundtrack have all contributed to its critical acclaim. 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 PS5 Pros. This gesture, along with the significant monetary bonus, aims to boost employee morale and incentivize future endeavors. The company's financial strength is evident, having raised $320 million in South Korea's stock market before its initial public offering in July 2024, making it the second-largest IPO of the year.
Stellar Blade's momentum continues with ongoing collaborations, including a Nier: Automata crossover in November 2024 and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke. A holiday event in mid-December added festive decorations, music, and costumes.
Further expanding the game's reach, a PC port is slated for release in 2025. This decision, announced in June 2024, follows the game's impressive sales figures: one million PS5 units sold within its first two months. Shift Up anticipates strong performance on the PC platform.
