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 launch.

Stellar Blade's popularity continues to soar, fueled by several high-profile collaborations. Despite initial controversy, the game garnered overwhelmingly positive player and critic reviews, boasting an 82 average score on OpenCritic and numerous awards and nominations. Its fast-paced combat, stunning art style, and captivating soundtrack have earned widespread praise. The game's success is further evidenced by its impressive one million PS5 unit sales within its first two months.

Shift Up's recent Twitter announcement, featuring a video of employees receiving their PS5 Pros, highlighted the company's appreciation for its over 300 employees. This significant bonus, according to a company representative, aims to incentivize and motivate the team for future projects. The company's financial success is undeniable, having raised $320 million in South Korea's stock market before its initial public offering – the second largest of the year.

The momentum continues with ongoing collaborations, including a November 2024 Nier: Automata crossover DLC and a future collaboration with Goddess of Victory: Nikke. A festive holiday event, featuring in-game decorations, music, and costumes, further enhanced player engagement in December.

While initially a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Stellar Blade is slated for a PC release in 2025, reflecting Shift Up's confidence in the game's potential on this platform. The exact release window for the PC port remains unannounced.

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