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 release.
Stellar Blade, despite initial minor controversies, quickly became a critical and commercial darling. Boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic and garnering numerous awards and nominations, the game's fast-paced combat, stunning art style, and captivating soundtrack resonated strongly with players. The game's continued popularity is further fueled by several high-profile collaborations.
A heartwarming video shared on Twitter showcased employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros. All 300+ Shift Up employees received the console, along with the substantial cash bonus. The company stated the bonuses aimed to motivate and incentivize its workforce. This generosity comes after Shift Up's highly successful $320 million initial public offering in July 2024, making it the second-largest in South Korea that year.
Shift Up Rewards Stellar Blade Team with PS5 Pros and Generous Bonuses
Stellar Blade's success continues to grow, thanks in part to collaborations like the November 2024 Nier: Automata DLC, introducing new in-game items and costumes. A future crossover with Goddess of Victory: Nikke was also announced in late December, although specifics remain undisclosed. A holiday event in mid-December added festive decorations to Xion, new music, and additional costumes.
Initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025. Shift Up announced its PC port plans in June 2024, anticipating strong performance on the platform. The PS5 version achieved impressive sales figures, reaching one million units sold within its first two months.
