On June 2, 2025, South Korean game developer Shift Up unveiled its next major project, "Project Spirits," alongside a large-scale public recruitment drive for development personnel. Formerly known under the working title "Project Witches," this new intellectual property marks Shift Up's first fresh IP since the acclaimed "Stellar Blade." The company aims to build on its proven track record in creating globally successful games as it develops this subculture genre title for PC and mobile platforms.
The recruitment campaign, which began on the same day as the announcement, is open-ended with no set deadline, inviting both new and experienced candidates to apply. Positions span a variety of roles including Art, Planning, Narrative, and Project Management (PM). Applications can be submitted through Shift Up's official website and the Game Job platform, underscoring the company's commitment to assembling a diverse and talented team to enhance the project’s scope and quality.
Alongside the recruitment announcement, Shift Up revealed the first official illustrations and logo for "Project Spirits," providing fans and industry watchers their initial glimpse of the game's aesthetic. The title is positioned as a subculture genre game, heavily influenced by Japanese animation styles, catering to a niche yet globally passionate audience. The development strategy involves creating a cross-platform experience, aiming for a worldwide launch in 2027.
At the helm of "Project Spirits" is Han Dae-hoon PD, a seasoned game director with extensive experience across multiple platforms including console and mobile. Han’s impressive career began as an artist on notable titles like "Mabinogi" at Nexon and "Blade & Soul" at NCsoft. In 2015, he founded Studio HG, where he released several projects as a solo developer, including "Smashing The Battle," the VR game "Overturn," and "Metallic Child," which won the Game Award Excellence Award in 2021. After Studio HG was acquired by Action Square in 2022, Han directed the extraction adventure "Dungeon Stalkers" before joining Shift Up in early 2025 as the general development director.
Han Dae-hoon expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, "Shift Up fosters a development environment that respects creativity and passion. I want to create a game that can impress users worldwide with talented individuals who are dedicated to the subculture genre." This sentiment highlights Shift Up’s culture of valuing innovation and dedication, particularly within the subculture gaming niche.
Shift Up’s history of successful original IPs bolsters confidence in "Project Spirits." The company first gained major recognition with its 2016 release "Destiny Child," which topped mobile sales charts on both major platforms. More recently, "Goddess of Victory: Nikke," launched in 2022, has repeatedly reached number one on Japan’s App Store sales and expanded into the Chinese market under the localized title "Goddess of Victory: New Hope" in May 2025, achieving early success. This localization strategy reflects Shift Up’s growing global ambitions.
Additionally, Shift Up’s 2024 title "Stellar Blade," developed under South Korea’s first Sony Second Party contract, has established itself as a representative PlayStation game worldwide. The company is preparing to release the PC version of "Stellar Blade" on June 12, 2025, alongside a collaboration DLC featuring "Nikke," further expanding its portfolio and fan engagement.
The decision to rename the project from "Project Witches" to "Project Spirits" coincided with the recruitment and unveiling events, signaling a fresh start and a refined vision for the game. By emphasizing the subculture genre and cross-platform design, Shift Up aims to capture a unique segment of the gaming market that blends anime-inspired art with accessible gameplay across PC and mobile devices.
Shift Up’s recruitment drive reflects its ambition to enhance both the expandability and completeness of "Project Spirits." The company is seeking creative professionals who share a passion for the subculture genre and a dedication to producing high-quality gaming experiences. As Han Dae-hoon noted, the studio values an environment where creativity and passion are respected, a philosophy that should resonate with prospective applicants and industry observers alike.
With its proven expertise in IP development and a newly expanded team led by an experienced director, Shift Up is positioning "Project Spirits" as a significant upcoming title in the global gaming landscape. The project’s 2027 release date allows ample time for development and refinement, suggesting that the company is investing thoughtfully in the game’s potential impact.
As Shift Up continues to build momentum with successful titles and strategic hires, the gaming community eagerly awaits further details about "Project Spirits." The combination of innovative leadership, a distinct genre focus, and a commitment to quality hints at a promising future for the company’s newest venture.
