Shift Up, the developer behind the acclaimed action-adventure game Stellar Blade, recently rewarded its employees with substantial year-end bonuses. Each employee received a PlayStation 5 Pro and approximately $3,400. This generous gesture follows the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 release.
Stellar Blade's popularity continues to surge, fueled by several high-profile collaborations. These partnerships, including a Nier: Automata crossover in November 2024 and an upcoming collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke, have significantly boosted player engagement. A holiday-themed in-game event further enhanced the player experience in December 2024.
The game's critical acclaim, boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic, and its commercial success, selling one million PS5 units in its first two months, justified the developer's celebratory gesture. Shift Up's initial public offering in July 2024, the second-largest in South Korea that year, further solidified its financial stability.
The company's generous bonuses aim to incentivize and motivate its workforce. A heartwarming video showcasing employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros was shared on Twitter. The over 300 employees of the Korean studio all received the console and the substantial cash bonus.
Looking ahead, a PC port of Stellar Blade is slated for release in 2025, further expanding the game's reach and potential for continued success. Shift Up's confidence in the PC market is high, given the game's strong performance on the PS5.
