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.