Shift Up Announces New Game – Project Witches – In Development After Stellar Blade’s Success

Shift Up, the South Korean game developer, has had an incredible year with the release of Stellar Blade earlier this year. This action-adventure game quickly gained popularity, topping sales charts in multiple countries. Building on this success, Shift Up is now working on its next major project, officially confirming its development plans.

News of this new game, currently known by the codename Project Witches, first came to light in May 2024. According to a securities filing reported by Yonhap News Agency, Shift Up is developing an “AAA urban sci-fi action RPG.” The company describes Project Witches as a “major subculture IP,” comparing it to well-known games like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Fate/Grand Order, and their own hit Goddess of Victory: Nikke.

Further details shared on the game’s hiring page indicate that Project Witches will be a cross-platform, next-generation game. This means it will be available on PC, consoles, and mobile devices.

The game is set for release in 2027, as confirmed by the company’s latest quarterly earnings call. During the call, Shift Up stated that they are “aiming for a 2027 launch and promised to share more details about the game in the first half of 2025.”

In addition to developing new titles, Shift Up is planning to expand its operations significantly. Starting in 2025, the company aims to grow its workforce and increase its focus on new projects. They are also planning to build a new office to accommodate their expanding team and ambitious development plans.

Founded in 2013, Shift Up gained recognition with its first title, Destiny Child, released in 2016. However, it was the recent success of games like Goddess of Victory: Nikke and Stellar Blade that put the company on the global gaming map.

Goddess of Victory: Nikke, launched in 2022, combines third-person shooter (TPS) mechanics with collectible RPG elements. Its captivating storyline, high-quality graphics, and consistent content updates have made it a favorite among players, generating nearly $900 million in sales within two years.

Stellar Blade, another major hit for Shift Up, is celebrated for its fast-paced combat and stunning 3D visuals. Since its debut in April this year, the game has achieved remarkable success, ranking No. 1 in sales across eight countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. It has sold over 1 million copies within just two months of its release.

Shift Up is not stopping there. The company is currently preparing a PC port of Stellar Blade which is expected to launch in somewhat after April 2025.

Financially, Shift Up is performing well, with 2023 sales reaching KRW 168.6 billion. The company reported an operating profit of KRW 111.1 billion and a net profit of KRW 106.7 billion, reflecting its strong market presence and successful game launches.

In the latest Q3 quarter results (July to September 2024), the company earned 58 billion won in revenue ($41 million), a 52.3% increase compared to the previous year.