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, despite initial minor controversies, quickly became a critical and commercial darling. Its fast-paced combat, stunning art style, and memorable soundtrack garnered an 82 average score on OpenCritic, leading to numerous awards and nominations. The game's popularity continues to grow, fueled by successful collaborations.
A heartwarming video shared on Twitter showcased employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros. All 300+ Shift Up employees received this bonus, along with the substantial cash gift. The company stated the bonuses were intended to motivate and appreciate its workforce. This generosity comes after a highly successful July 2024 initial public offering (IPO) on the South Korean stock market, the second largest of the year.
Stellar Blade's continued success is evident in its ongoing collaborations. A Nier: Automata crossover in November 2024 introduced new content, and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke is planned. A holiday event further enhanced player engagement.
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 performance. The PC port's release window remains unannounced.
