Stellar Blade developers faced financial struggles before Sony deal
Shift Up, the developer of Stellar Blade, faced significant financial difficulties during the game's development. CEO Hyung-Tae Kim revealed that at one point, the company only had enough funds to survive for approximately three months. Several major publishers initially rejected the project, deeming it too risky, before Sony Interactive Entertainment eventually offered a publishing deal after seeing a playable build.
Stellar Blade ultimately became a success, selling millions on PlayStation 5 and PC. Retro Gamer reported that the success of Shift Up's other game, Goddess of Victory: Nikke, also provided crucial financial support. Eurogamer added that the company is now working on the sequel, Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, which was previously announced as self-published.
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Stellar Blade is a success now but once came close to the brink: "We could only pay salaries for about three months"
Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim revealed that Stellar Blade faced significant financial difficulties during development, with the company once only able to pay salaries for three months. Investors were hesitant due to perceived risks, but the game ultimately became a success, selling millions on PlayStation 5 and PC. The company is now working on the sequel, Stellar Blade: Blood Rain.
Stellar Blade devs only had enough money to survive "for about 3 months" at one point, CEO says several major publishers rejected them before Sony
Shift Up, the developer of Stellar Blade, faced significant financial difficulties during development, with CEO Hyung-Tae Kim stating they only had enough funds to survive for about three months at one point. Several major publishers rejected the project, deeming it too risky, before Sony Interactive Entertainment eventually offered a publishing deal after seeing a playable build. The success of their other game, Goddess of Victory: Nikke, also provided crucial financial support.