Game Studio Rewards Staff with Bonuses and PS5 Pros

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, despite initial minor controversies, quickly became a critical and commercial hit on the PS5. Its average score of 82 on OpenCritic, coupled with numerous awards and nominations, underscores its popularity. The game's fast-paced combat, striking art style, and captivating soundtrack have garnered widespread praise. While Nier creator Yoko Taro controversially claimed Stellar Blade surpasses NieR: Automata (a claim denied by Stellar Blade's director), the game's achievements are undeniable.

The company's recent Twitter post showcasing employees receiving their PS5 Pros highlights Shift Up's appreciation for its over 300 employees. This significant year-end bonus, totaling around $3,400 per employee, aims to bolster employee morale and incentivize future endeavors. This generosity comes after Shift Up's highly successful July 2024 initial public offering (IPO), the second largest in South Korea that year, raising $320 million.

The success of Stellar Blade continues to grow, fueled by several high-profile collaborations. A Nier: Automata crossover DLC, released in November 2024, introduced new in-game items and costumes. A future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke was also announced in late December, though specifics remain undisclosed. A holiday event in mid-December further enhanced the game's appeal with festive decorations, new music, and additional costumes.

Initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025. This decision, announced in June 2024, followed the game's impressive sales figures – one million units sold within its first two months on PS5. Shift Up anticipates strong performance on the PC platform.