At the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul on January 6, 2025, South Korean gaming company Shift Up made headlines by rewarding its entire staff with PlayStation 5 Pro consoles and generous cash bonuses. During the inaugural "Shift Up Rise Up" ceremony, each of the company's 311 employees received 5 million Won, which equates to approximately $3,433 USD, as recognition for their hard work and dedication.
This gesture stems from the studio's fruitful 2024, where it experienced remarkable success with its latest title, Stellar Blade. The action role-playing game, which launched exclusively on PlayStation 5, sold over 1 million copies within two months of its release and received nominations for Best Score & Music and Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2024.
According to Naver, a representative from Shift Up described the bonus initiative as part of the company’s strategy to motivate and retain talented employees: "The plus and bonus payments are for the purpose of encouraging talent." Shift Up's founder and CEO, Kim Hyung Tae, has been known for fostering a supportive workplace culture, making this recent act of generosity resonate well with the team.
Shift Up's achievements haven't been limited to just Stellar Blade. The company also saw success with its mobile title, Goddess of Victory: Nikke, which included exciting collaborations with popular franchises like Re:Zero and Neon Genesis Evangelion. With both games garnering attention, Shift Up aims to leverage this momentum to develop future projects, including the anticipated PC port of Stellar Blade scheduled for release later this year.
The PS5 Pro offerings were not only practical but also symbolic. The developers provided the latest console to allow employees to experience their work firsthand, particularly its visual enhancements including support for 4K gaming. A tweet from the official Stellar Blade account read, "Everyone got a PS5 Pro so you can enjoy Stellar Blade in 4K, right?" Further emphasizing the pride the company feels toward its popular title.
This isn’t the first time Shift Up rewarded its employees for their hard work. Back in September 2021, when the game was initially unveiled as "Project Eve," the staff received PS5 consoles. This move mirrored the act of generosity during the dramatic console shortage when prices skyrocketed.
With the gaming industry facing layoffs and closures across companies, Shift Up’s rewards are refreshing. They highlight the significance of employee retention and morale. The gaming environment has been notoriously competitive, especially within South Korea. Employees often work long hours, so this recognition is particularly heartening.
Shift Up's success extends beyond merely console sales. After its IPO, which raised about 435 billion Won (approximately $320 million), the studio is now well-positioned to explore diverse game projects. The launch period for Stellar Blade yielded substantial revenue, totaling around 48.4 billion Won (about $34.6 million) within the first half of its release year.
Despite the challenges posed by global economic conditions and industry criticisms of work-life balance, the company’s approach demonstrates its commitment to its workforce. Recognizing employees as integral to its continued success reflects positively on the business ethos cultivated by Kim Hyung Tae and the management team.
Beyond financial incentives, there's excitement surrounding upcoming games. Stellar Blade not only captivates players but could potentially see expansion with sequels or spin-offs as indicated by recent discussions among developers.
The enthusiastic reception of Stellar Blade indicates strong potential for future franchises, especially with the allure of its expansive world and engaging gameplay. Anticipation for the PC port reflects growing confidence as the gaming community embraces what Shift Up has to offer.
Overall, Shift Up's New Year gifts represent more than mere bonuses—they embody recognition of hard work, motivation for future achievements, and the fostering of community within the ever-evolving gaming industry.