Shift Up, the developer behind the acclaimed action role-playing game Stellar Blade, has announced a record-breaking financial year, largely driven by the success of their latest title. According to the 2024 financial report released by Shift Up and reported by Game World Observer, the company achieved a remarkable revenue of $151.4 million, marking a significant 30.4% increase from the previous year. A substantial portion of this revenue, amounting to $43.2 million, was attributed to royalties from Stellar Blade.
The momentum for Stellar Blade shows no signs of waning, as Shift Up confidently anticipates that the upcoming PC version will surpass the sales of the original PlayStation 5 release, particularly in the Asian market. This optimism is fueled by the game's strong performance on the PS5, where it sold a million copies shortly after its launch and received a 7/10 rating from IGN. IGN praised the game for its engaging action elements but noted that it was hindered by less compelling characters, a lackluster narrative, and certain frustrating RPG mechanics.
In Stellar Blade, players assume the role of Eve, engaging in fast-paced combat to reclaim Earth from mysterious invaders. The game's success has not only boosted Shift Up's financial standing but also set the stage for future projects.
Looking ahead, Shift Up plans to unveil its new game, Project Witches, in the first half of 2025. This announcement follows closely on the heels of Stellar Blade's release on PS5, indicating the studio's commitment to expanding its portfolio. While Project Witches is not a sequel to Stellar Blade, Shift Up has expressed interest in potentially developing another game within the Stellar Blade franchise, suggesting that fans may see more of Eve's adventures in the future.
For gamers and investors alike, Shift Up's financial success and ambitious roadmap underscore the company's growing influence in the gaming industry.