Stellar Blade Studio Rewards Employees with Bonuses and PS5 Pro Consoles

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, initially met with some minor controversy regarding its character design, quickly became a critical and commercial triumph on the PS5. Boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic and numerous awards and nominations, the game's fast-paced combat, striking art style, and memorable soundtrack have garnered widespread praise. While Nier creator Yoko Taro controversially claimed Stellar Blade surpasses NieR: Automata (a claim the Stellar Blade director refuted), the game's popularity remains undeniable. This substantial bonus reflects Shift Up's appreciation for its team's hard work and dedication.

A heartwarming video showcasing employees receiving their PS5 Pros was shared on Shift Up's Twitter account. All 300+ employees received the console, along with the substantial cash bonus, intended to boost 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 launched in November 2024, introducing new content, and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke was announced in late December. A holiday event in mid-December further enhanced the game with festive decorations, music, and costumes.

Initially a PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025. This decision, announced in June 2024, follows 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.