Key Takeaways
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- Shift Up Studio significantly increased employee compensation in January 2026, providing Apple AirPods Max, an Apple Watch, and approximately 5 million won ($3,400) to over 300 employees.
- The company has shown a commitment to social responsibility by donating to charitable institutions, both locally and internationally, including contributions of over €200,000 in 2023.
- Shift Up is currently developing Project Spirits, which will be published by Level Infinite. Other recently reviewed games and movies include Origin Story, Trails Beyond the Horizon, and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
- The studios charitable efforts extend to supporting vulnerable communities, such as donating blankets and support to impoverished families in harsh winter conditions.
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Generous Gifts for Shift Up Studio Employees in 2026 – Unprecedented Compensation Boosts Morale amid AI Competition
Shift Up Studio, the Korean developer known for Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: Nikke, provided significant compensation to its employees in January 2026. Each of the studio’s more than 300 employees received an Apple AirPods Max, an Apple Watch, and approximately 5 million won (roughly $3,400). Shift Up’s CEO believes South Korea needs to embrace AI technology to compete with larger nations like China and the US. He noted that Shift Up typically assigns about 150 people to a game, while Chinese companies often deploy between 1,000 and 2,000. The gifts in January 2026 differed from previous years, when the company had given out items like PS5 Pros, Nintendo Switch 2s, prepaid credit cards worth around $6,800, and iPhone 14s. Shift Up is currently developing Project Spirits, which Level Infinite will publish.
Shift Up Boosts Social Responsibility with Charitable Donations and Game Releases
In addition to employee compensation, Shift Up has recently supported various charitable institutions in Korea and abroad. According to reports, the company donated over 3,000 euros worth of blankets and support to impoverished families as part of a local social campaign to aid vulnerable communities facing a harsh winter. Shift Up stated that this contribution was part of its commitment to engage with communities and fulfill its social responsibilities. In 2023, Shift Up and its executive director donated over 200,000 euros to charitable institutions, including the Red Cross, to assist families in need both in Korea and abroad. The following games and movies have been reviewed: 1. Origin Story: A superhero-themed board game 2. Trails Beyond the Horizon: A JRPG with exciting real-time and turn-based combat 3. Scythe: A strategy board game considered top-notch 4. Skate Story: A skateboarding game with stylized visuals 5. Octopath Traveler II: A retro-styled JRPG focusing on tactical battles 6. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: An installment in the 28 Days Later franchise 7. Avatar: Fire and Ash: A technical marvel with fantastic action 8. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2: A sequel to the original Five Nights at Freddy’s
Charitable Shift Up Spotlights Employee Welfare and Social Causes
9. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery: A sequel that brings Knives Out back to its roots 10. Wicked: For Good: Offers a cathartic conclusion to the Wicked saga, though it doesn’t quite match Part 1 11. Starfleet Academy: A new Star Trek series set within a Starfleet academy 12. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: A Game of Thrones spinoff set before the TV show 13. Stranger Things Season 5 finale 14. Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2: Sets up a finale 15. Fallout Season 2: Convoluted, yet fun Shift Up continues to garner attention for both its employee compensation and its continued support of social causes.
In Case You Missed It
“Get ready to mark your calendars, gaming enthusiasts! Carlos Mendoza has just dropped an insightful piece on November 21, 2025, sharing the latest development on one of gaming’s most anticipated sequels, Stellar Blade 2. In ‘Stellar Blade 2 Will Take Many Years to Arrive’, you’ll find an exciting sneak peek into Shift Up Studio’s plans, including their global search for talented individuals across various roles. So, if you’re eager to be a part of this groundbreaking sequel, this is your chance! But hold on to your hats, as the expected release timeline suggests we might have to wait until around 2028. Don’t miss out on all the details – dive in here: Stellar Blade 2 Will Take Many Years to Arrive.”
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Links to external sources for further reading
- Stellar Blade studio Shift Up has gifted all its staff $3,400, AirPods Max and an Apple WatchStellar Blade studio Shift Up has gifted all its staff $3,400, AirPods Max and an Apple Watchvideogameschronicle.com
- Stellar Blade lead believes AI is essential for South Korea to compete with studios in the US and China, with the government to provide financial backing to support the use of the techStellar Blade lead believes AI is essential for South Korea to compete with studios in the US and China, with the government to provide financial backing to support the use of the techgamesradar.com
- One Year After Handing Out PS5 Pros, Stellar Blade Studio Shift Up Showers Its Employees With More High-End GiftsOne Year After Handing Out PS5 Pros, Stellar Blade Studio Shift Up Showers Its Employees With More High-End Giftsopencritic.com
- Cut price.Cut price.ign.com
- CEO of Stellar Blade dev claims AI is essential for smaller nations competing with the manpower of China and the USCEO of Stellar Blade dev claims AI is essential for smaller nations competing with the manpower of China and the USgamesindustry.biz