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 follows the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 release.
Stellar Blade, initially met with some minor controversy regarding its character design, ultimately achieved widespread critical acclaim, boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic and garnering numerous awards and nominations. Its fast-paced combat, stunning visuals, and captivating soundtrack have resonated strongly with players. The game's continued popularity is further fueled by high-profile collaborations.
A heartwarming video shared on Shift Up's Twitter account showcased employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros. All 300+ employees of the Korean studio received this bonus, along with the significant monetary reward. The company stated that these generous bonuses aim to incentivize and motivate its workforce. This 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 success continues to grow, driven by partnerships such as the November 2024 Nier: Automata crossover DLC and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke. A festive holiday event, featuring in-game decorations, music, and costumes, further enhanced the player experience in December.
Initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025. This decision, announced in June 2024, reflects Shift Up's confidence in the game's potential to achieve similar success on the PC platform, following its impressive one million PS5 unit sales within the first two months.
