Shift Up is moving toward a first-party, self-publishing model, potentially enabling simultaneous PC and console releases for Stellar Blade 2 and reducing Sony’s publishing involvement.

The next flagship title, Project Spirits, will have updates revealed later this year, alongside a confirmed sequel to Stellar Blade in development, as disclosed in the Q1 2026 financial report.

Shift Up reported an operating profit of 21,506 million won, down 18.1% year over year.

The PS5 launch version of Stellar Blade previously received an 8/10 review, praising setting, story, and enemy variety while faulting side quests, writing, and traversal.

Other major game companies’ results were noted, with Koei Tecmo, Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, and Konami on deck for forthcoming reports.

Background notes indicate Final Weapon’s Soul Kiwami author Raul Ochoa, with author bio and contact context for further information.

There’s a potential sequel reveal later this year, and readers are invited to engage in comments.

The publishing shift is framed within broader industry trends, including possible AI adoption in production and Korea’s strategy to compete with U.S. and Chinese developers, per Shift Up’s CEO and Korean officials.

Rumors point to a broader marketing approach and multi-platform release, though concrete platform specifics remain unconfirmed.

Xbox is reportedly rethinking exclusivity, which could influence the industry move toward multiplatform releases.

Shift Up emphasizes owning multiple IPs across live-service and PC/console, highlighting a reinforced IP lineup and business capabilities.

Goddess of Victory: NIKKE showed strong performance, including solid anniversary updates and a plan for substantial 2026 events, while Stellar Blade’s first release was well-received for combat, art, and soundtrack.