Stellar Blade Studio Rewards Employees with Bonuses and PS5 Pro Consoles

Shift Up, the developer behind the acclaimed action-adventure game Stellar Blade, generously rewarded its employees with a PlayStation 5 Pro and a substantial bonus of approximately $3,400 each. This celebratory gesture follows the game's remarkable success since its April 2024 release.

Stellar Blade's popularity continues to soar, fueled by positive player and critic reception (averaging an 82 on OpenCritic) and several high-profile collaborations. Despite initial controversy, the game's fast-paced combat, striking art style, and captivating soundtrack have garnered widespread praise. The game's success is further highlighted by its million-unit sales milestone within its first two months on the PS5 and a significant $320 million initial public offering in South Korea.

A heartwarming video showcasing employees receiving their PlayStation 5 Pros was shared by Shift Up on Twitter. This gesture, extending to all 300+ employees, underscores the company's commitment to its workforce. The significant bonus, according to company representatives, serves as an incentive for future endeavors.

Further boosting Stellar Blade's momentum are ongoing collaborations. A Nier: Automata crossover in November 2024 introduced new in-game content, and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke is planned. A festive holiday event in December added seasonal decorations, music, and costumes.

Initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025, a decision fueled by Shift Up's confidence in the game's potential on the platform. The exact release date remains unannounced.