Shift Up Celebrates Stellar Blade Devs With Apple Watches and AirPods

Shift Up Studio is once again showing its appreciation for employees after a highly successful 2025. During a New Year kick-off ceremony, the studio gifted over 300 staff members with Apple Watches, AirPods Max, and 5 million South Korean Won (around MYR 18,600) each. The rewards follow a long-standing tradition of recognizing staff achievements, which previously included PlayStation 5 Pros, Nintendo Switch 2s, and even credit cards loaded with 10 million Won (MYR 37,200) during company anniversaries.

Stellar Blade’s Impact on the Studio

Stellar Blade, which launched as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in 2024, quickly became a major success. Its PC release further solidified the title’s popularity, selling over three million copies on PC alone. The strong sales contributed to record revenue growth, with Shift Up reporting a 30.1% increase in sales and a 39.3% rise in operating profit during the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. The game’s success also helped place Korean studios in the international spotlight.

Generosity as a Workplace Culture

Shift Up is known for rewarding performance consistently. In January 2023, following Goddess of Victory: Nikke’s top sales rankings on major app markets, employees received iPhone 14s and 5 million Won (MYR 18,600) each. Later that year, the studio celebrated its 10th anniversary by giving executives and staff credit cards loaded with 10 million Won (MYR 37,200). Early in 2025, Stellar Blade’s success led to PlayStation 5 Pro and bonus gifts, followed by Nintendo Switch 2s for surpassing three million PC sales. These gestures reinforce the studio’s culture of recognition and appreciation.

Looking Ahead: Sequels and New Projects

Shift Up is already developing a sequel to Stellar Blade as well as its upcoming flagship title, Project SPIRIT. Unlike the original, the sequel will not be a timed PlayStation exclusive and aims to reach a wider global audience. The company is currently expanding its workforce to meet the demands of these ambitious projects, ensuring even higher production quality.

With Stellar Blade’s ongoing success and the studio’s continued investment in employee recognition, Shift Up sets a strong example for maintaining morale and rewarding talent in the competitive gaming industry.

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