Stellar Blade Studio Boosts Staff Morale with Bonuses, PS5 Pro Consoles

Shift Up Rewards Stellar Blade Team with PlayStation 5 Pro and $3,400 Bonuses

Shift Up, the innovative studio behind the critically acclaimed action-adventure game Stellar Blade, has celebrated its team's hard work with generous year-end bonuses. Following the game's successful launch in April 2024, all of Shift Up's 300+ employees received a PlayStation 5 Pro and approximately $3,400 as a token of appreciation for their dedication and contribution to the game's triumph.

Stellar Blade quickly became one of the year's standout titles, garnering an impressive average score of 82 on OpenCritic and receiving numerous awards and nominations. The game's fast-paced combat, stunning art direction, and captivating soundtrack have been particularly praised. Despite early controversy regarding the protagonist's attire, Stellar Blade has consistently drawn positive feedback from both players and critics.

The game's acclaim extends to high-profile endorsements, with Nier creator Yoko Taro proclaiming Stellar Blade as "better than NieR: Automata," a claim modestly refuted by Stellar Blade's director. The team's efforts were further recognized through a heartwarming video shared on Twitter, showcasing staff members receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros. This gesture underscores Shift Up's commitment to its employees, as evidenced by the company's $320 million public offering on South Korea's stock market in July 2024.

Stellar Blade's Continued Success and Future Plans

Stellar Blade continues to engage players through exciting collaborations and updates. The November 2024 release of the Nier: Automata DLC introduced new items and costumes, while a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke was announced in late December 2024. Additionally, a holiday-themed event added festive decorations to the city of Xion, along with new music tracks and costumes for characters Eve and Adam.

Originally released as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is set to expand its reach with a PC port slated for 2025. This move follows Shift Up's announcement in June 2024, expressing optimism about the game's potential on the PC platform. The game's strong performance, with one million units sold on the PS5 within the first two months, sets a promising stage for its PC debut.

Shift Up's commitment to rewarding its team and expanding Stellar Blade's availability showcases the studio's dedication to both its employees and its gaming community. As Stellar Blade continues to evolve, players can look forward to more engaging content and a broader platform presence.