Shift Up, the developer behind the acclaimed action-adventure game Stellar Blade, generously rewarded its employees with a PlayStation 5 Pro and a substantial bonus of approximately $3,400 each. This celebratory gesture followed the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 launch.
Stellar Blade's popularity continues to soar, fueled by several high-profile collaborations. Despite initial controversy surrounding the protagonist's attire, the game achieved widespread critical acclaim, boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic and garnering numerous awards and nominations. Its fast-paced combat, striking art style, and captivating soundtrack have all contributed to its enduring appeal. The game's success even prompted a noteworthy comment from Yoko Taro, creator of Nier, though Shift Up's director refuted Taro's claim that Stellar Blade surpasses NieR: Automata.
The recent bonus, highlighted in a heartwarming video shared on Twitter, showcases Shift Up's appreciation for its over 300 employees. The company representative stated the generous compensation aims to incentivize and motivate the team moving forward. This follows a highly successful July 2024 initial public offering (IPO) on the South Korean stock market, raising $320 million – the second-largest IPO in the country that year.
Shift Up's generosity underscores Stellar Blade's continued success, further amplified by ongoing collaborations. A NieR: Automata crossover DLC launched in November 2024, introducing new in-game items and costumes. A future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke was also announced in late December, though details remain scarce. A holiday event in mid-December added festive decorations to Xion, along with new music and costumes.
Initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025, with Shift Up expressing confidence in its potential success on this new platform. The PS5 version achieved impressive sales figures, reaching one million units sold within its first two months.
