Stellar Blade Studio Bonuses: PS5 Pros for Top Performers

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 console and approximately $3,400. This substantial gift follows the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 launch.

Stellar Blade, despite initial minor controversies, achieved widespread critical acclaim and commercial success on the PS5, boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic and garnering numerous awards and nominations. Its fast-paced combat, striking art style, and memorable soundtrack have resonated strongly with players. The game's continued popularity is fueled by several high-profile collaborations.

A heartwarming video shared on Twitter showcased Shift Up's over 300 employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros. A company representative stated that the significant bonus, including the console and cash, aims to incentivize and motivate the team for future projects. This generous gesture comes after Shift Up's highly successful initial public offering (IPO) in July 2024, raising $320 million – the second-largest in South Korea that year.

The momentum continues for Stellar Blade. Recent collaborations, including a Nier: Automata crossover in November 2024 and an upcoming partnership with Goddess of Victory: Nikke, are keeping the game in the spotlight. A holiday event further enhanced player engagement in December.

Looking ahead, a PC port of Stellar Blade is slated for release in 2025, a decision fueled by the game's impressive one million PS5 unit sales within its first two months and the studio's confidence in its PC performance. No specific release date has been announced yet.