
In the video game industry, it has unfortunately become all too common to talk about negative issues such as cancellations, layoffs, and studio closures. So, it’s quite nice to talk about companies that value their employees for a change.
This is particularly true of Shift Up, the South Korean company behind Stellar Blade. To celebrate the holiday season, the management gave several gifts to its more than 300 employees. The list includes Apple products and a nice little bonus.
Each employee received 5 million South Korean won (€2,913), AirPods Max, and an Apple Watch. In January 2025, Shift Up had already done the same thing, giving its teams a similar amount along with a PS5 Pro. Last July, each developer left with a Switch 2.


It’s great to see companies like Shift Up recognizing and rewarding their employees in such a generous way. Positive actions like this can really boost morale and foster a supportive work environment. It’s a nice change from the usual discussions we often hear in the industry.