Shift Up Shocks the Industry with Record-Breaking Growth Powered by Stellar Blade

In 2024, Shift Up, a South Korean game developer, made significant strides in the gaming industry. Their mobile game, NIKKE: Goddess of Victory, had already established a strong presence. However, the release of Stellar Blade, a PlayStation 5 exclusive, further elevated their status.

The company’s financial performance was impressive. After going public, Shift Up reported revenues of ₩219.8 billion (approximately $151 million) for Fiscal Year 2024, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. This growth was largely driven by Stellar Blade, which generated ₩62.8 billion (around $43.2 million) in royalties.

Despite the success of Stellar Blade, NIKKE: Goddess of Victory experienced a 7% decline in revenue compared to the previous year. The company attributed this to intensified competition in the gaming market.

Looking ahead, Shift Up plans to expand its team from 322 to over 400 employees by the end of the year. They are also developing a new title, Project Witches, slated for release in 2027. Additionally, the company intends to launch a PC version of Stellar Blade and has announced a collaboration between Stellar Blade and NIKKE to rejuvenate interest in both franchises.

Shift Up’s journey from a mobile game developer to a prominent player in the console gaming arena underscores their adaptability and vision. With ambitious projects on the horizon, the future appears promising for this Korean studio.