Shift Up Posts Record High Yearly Profits, Thanks to NIKKE and Stellar Blade

Shift Up, the South Korean game developer known for creating visually stunning and innovative titles, has announced a record-breaking yearly profit, driven largely by the success of two major releases: NIKKE: The Goddess of Victory and Stellar Blade. The company, founded by artist and game designer Hyung-Tae Kim, is now basking in the rewards of their hard work and creative ambition as both titles have garnered critical and commercial acclaim.

Here’s a rundown of the yearly profits stats

– Record high yearly revenue and operating profits
– NIKKE recorded $105 million in revenue
– Stellar Blade recorded $43 million in royalties
– Stellar Blade received immense love from players worldwide and formed a strong fandom
– Expecting strong performance of Stellar Blade on PC
– Will release NIKKE in China
– New info on “Project Witches” will come in the next 6 months. Plan to launch after 2027.
– Shift up has 322 staff members (90% developers)
– Plan to expand to 400-420 staff members by the end of 2025 to help development of “Project Witches”

Now let’s talk a little about the games that got them there.

The Rise of NIKKE: The Goddess of Victory

One of my favourite games and the year’s most significant contributor to Shift Up’s record profits was NIKKE: The Goddess of Victory, a mobile game that quickly became a global phenomenon. Released in late 2022, NIKKE has grown in popularity thanks to its unique blend of anime-inspired visuals, engaging real-time combat, and deep character customization. The game, which features a roster of powerful female protagonists and a compelling storyline, captivated players worldwide with its thrilling battles and gacha mechanics.

Despite the challenges that come with the mobile game market, where competition is fierce, NIKKE managed to distinguish itself with its high-quality production value, immersive world-building, and strategic gameplay elements. Its success has not only brought in substantial revenue through in-app purchases but has also attracted a loyal fan base, with the game maintaining strong player engagement over time.

Shift Up’s ability to continually update the game with new content, events, and collaborations has helped NIKKE retain its player base, pushing the game to the top of the mobile charts in multiple regions. This ongoing success has been a key driver of Shift Up’s record profits in the past year.

Stellar Blade Shines Bright

In addition to the mobile juggernaut that is NIKKE, Shift Up also achieved major success with the PlayStation 5-exclusive action RPG Stellar Blade. Released in early 2024, Stellar Blade made waves with its stunning visuals, action-packed gameplay, and unique sci-fi narrative. The game received praise for its beautiful world-building, intricate character designs, and fast-paced combat system, making it a standout title in the crowded RPG market. And it’s in my top 5 games of last year.

The game’s striking art style, inspired by traditional Japanese anime aesthetics, along with its exciting and challenging combat mechanics, created an experience that resonated with both fans of action RPGs and anime enthusiasts alike. Stellar Blade also stood out for its impressive production values, with Shift Up bringing its signature high-quality visuals to a next-gen console platform. This helped the game capture the attention of gamers who were looking for a fresh and captivating single-player experience.

The sales of Stellar Blade have exceeded expectations, further fuelling Shift Up’s profitability. The critical acclaim and positive reviews for the game have boosted its visibility, leading to strong sales figures and contributing to the company’s record-high profits for the fiscal year.

It also makes me hopeful that it’s success will lead to sequels but most of all I hope they give Nikke the stelar blade treatment who wouldn’t want to run around in third person as your favourite Nikke.

Can not wait for “Project Witches”

While specific details about “Project Witches” remain limited, the game is expected to feature high-quality visuals and engaging gameplay, building on Shift Up’s reputation for creating immersive experiences. The company has expressed its commitment to developing new intellectual properties, with “Project Witches” marking a significant step in this direction.