Sony’s collaboration with Shift Up is part of its larger investment in the South Korean video game industry. But while this was only “rumored” last year, it appears that Sony’s strategic alliance with South Korean studios extend all the way back in 2021. In fact, the first product of the venture is Stellar Blade, formerly known as Project Eve, which was initially revealed all the way back in 2019 as a multiplatform title for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
Initially a project of modest scope by Shift Up, known for its expertise in mobile game development, Stellar Blade caught the attention of the longtime Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida in 2021. Intrigued by the game’s prototype, Yoshida saw potential in the project that extended beyond its original vision. This encounter led to a partnership where Sony would support Shift Up with localization, marketing, quality assurance, and tool sharing from PlayStation Studios.
While the story and core structure remained consistent, the game’s general volume has expanded significantly over the past five years. Sony’s guidance and resources fueled the growth, enabling Shift Up to focus on game development. The partnership allowed for a fruitful exchange of ideas on gameplay enhancements and overall improvement, illustrative of Sony’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and ensuring the game reached its full potential.
As revealed in Shift Up’s interview with Julien Chièze, Sony doesn’t micromanage or dictate changes. In Stellar Blade‘s case, the console manufacturing giant provided the team with the necessary resources to overcome the usual development changes. This freedom and support allowed Shift Up to realize its vision. It also sets an example for other South Korean studios.
What stands out here is Sony’s ability to identify potential and offer practical support for a relatively unknown studio whose main claim to fame is a gacha game targeting a specific audience. The emphasis on nurturing the creative processes and the proper management of studios and collaborators has resulted in several critically acclaimed titles under the PlayStation Studios umbrella, setting high expectations for visual and gameplay standards.
By the looks of the leaked demo, Stellar Blade will live up to the billing.
Drawing from acclaimed titles such as Nier Automata, Bayonnetta, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Stellar Blade promises to offer a rich, engaging experience that blends fast-paced action with intricate staging. These influences, coupled with Sony’s backing and a particularly viral-worthy suit, position Stellar Blade as one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Ahead of Stellar Blade‘s release on PlayStation 5 on April 26, Shift Up submitted its IPO application on March 5. It is unclear if Stellar Blade is coming to the Xbox or PC.
