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 significant gesture follows the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 launch.
Stellar Blade, initially met with some controversy regarding its character design, ultimately achieved widespread critical acclaim and commercial success on the PS5. Its impressive 82 average score on OpenCritic, numerous awards and nominations, and fast-paced combat, striking art style, and memorable soundtrack have cemented its popularity. The game's continued success is further fueled by high-profile collaborations.
A heartwarming video shared on Twitter showcased Shift Up's over 300 employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros. This substantial bonus, coupled with the cash reward, aims to incentivize and appreciate the team's hard work. The company's financial success is evident, having raised $320 million in South Korea's stock market prior to its initial public offering – the second-largest of the year.
Stellar Blade's popularity continues to grow, thanks to collaborations like the November 2024 Nier: Automata DLC and a planned crossover with Goddess of Victory: Nikke. A holiday event further enhanced player engagement.
While initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025, a decision fueled by the game's impressive one million PS5 sales within its first two months and the studio's confidence in its PC potential. The specific PC release date remains unannounced.