Stellar Blade Surprise Bonuses and PS5 Pro Consoles for Team

Shift Up, the developer behind the critically 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 substantial bonus reflects the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 launch.

Stellar Blade, initially met with some minor controversy regarding its character design, ultimately achieved widespread popularity on the PS5. The game boasts an 82 average score on OpenCritic, garnered numerous awards and nominations, and is praised for its dynamic combat, stunning visuals, and captivating soundtrack. Its success is further highlighted by the fact that it sold one million units in its first two months. The game's continued popularity is fueled by several high-profile collaborations, including a Nier: Automata crossover in November 2024 and an upcoming collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke. A holiday event, featuring festive decorations, music, and costumes, was also recently added.

The company's generous gesture, showcased in a heartwarming video on Twitter, underscores the dedication and hard work of Shift Up's 300+ employees. The bonus serves as both a celebration of Stellar Blade's achievements and an incentive for future endeavors. This follows Shift Up's highly successful $320 million initial public offering in July 2024, making it the second-largest IPO in South Korea that year.

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 evident, given their June 2024 announcement regarding their plans for a PC version.