The company ties ongoing support for projects to staff motivation, with plans for a multiplatform Stellar Blade 2 and a cross-platform title codenamed Project Spirits.

Past years saw iPhone 14 devices and year-end bonuses for all staff, plus mid-year preloaded KRW 10 million credits, with early 2024 bringing PS5 Pro and another KRW 5 million bonus, and a May 2024 gift tied to Stellar Blade sales milestones.

This rewards pattern continues a long-running practice of generous staff recognition, following earlier perks like Nintendo Switch 2, PS5s in 2021, and a PS5 Pro in 2025.

Kim emphasizes that the recognition acknowledges developers and fans and reinforces ongoing efforts to showcase Korean gaming on the global stage.

Shift Up started the year by gifting its 300 employees premium tech and cash with a total package valued well over $4,000 per person, including Apple AirPods Max, an Apple Watch, and a combined KRW 5 million per-employee bonus.

Shift Up is developing Stellar Blade 2 and working on Project Spirits with Tencent’s Level Infinite, signaling a continued push into new projects.

Future projects include Stellar Blade 2 for multiple platforms and continued content updates for Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, underscoring growth and staffing needs.

Shift Up, led by founder Kim Hyung Tae, posted strong 2024 financials and went public on KOSPI, highlighting sizable revenue and robust operating profit margins.

The report on the gift program and company outlook comes via IGN Nordic’s Vikki Blake, with additional context from Seoul Economic Daily, VGC, and IGN coverage.

Stellar Blade launched as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in 2024 to solid reception, later arriving on PC with similar success, boosting visibility for Korean studios.

Kim Hyung Tae received the Presidential Commendation for contributions to the Korean games industry, with Shift Up credited for promoting Korean games internationally.

Shift Up reportedly raised about $295 million in a summer IPO, the largest gaming IPO in three years in South Korea, and has a publishing deal with Tencent for Project Spirits, signaling strong financial footing.