Even before their highly anticipated mech action game Stellar Blade hits stores, developer Shift Up Corporation is already making moves towards its next major project – another futuristic action RPG experience designed for cross-platform, next-generation hardware.
Based on new job listings on Shift Up’s website, the Japanese studio is actively staffing up for what’s described as an “AAA urban sci-fi action RPG” aimed at PC, console, and mobile platforms. While light on specific details, the listing labels the unannounced project as a “Cross Platform Next-Gen New Project,” suggesting a prospective cross-gen release spanning the latest PlayStation, Xbox, PC and even high-end mobile devices.
The brisk movement in greenlighting Shift Up’s follow-up effort gestures towards the rising developer’s assured confidence in their upcoming release Stellar Blade. The anime-inspired mech action game has steadily built anticipation among gamers thanks to its striking visuals, high-intensity combat, and distinctly Japanese sci-fi flair.
Stellar Blade is slated to launch for PlayStation 5 on April 26th, 2024, with other platform releases likely to follow. A playable demo is already available on the PlayStation Store for players to get a taste of the hyperkinetic mech action ahead of its full rollout next month.
While Stellar Blade’s explosive fusion of stylish character action and lore-steeped mech warfare seems primed to make a significant splash in the months ahead, Shift Up is clearly wasting no time looking towards the horizon and their next ambitious sci-fi universe.
Few other concrete details are known about this “next-gen” project beyond its broad genre premise. However, the notion of an “urban” science fiction setting could potentially point towards Shift Up exploring storylines and combat within the confines of a neon-drenched cyberpunk metropolis rather than the interstellar warfare backdrop of Stellar Blade.
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The cross-platform, multi-generational sweep of supported hardware also opens enticing possibilities for the scope and scale of Shift Up’s mysterious new action RPG. Having cut their teeth with Stellar Blade’s high-octane spectacle, perhaps the studio is envisioning an even more immense open-world cyberpunk epic spreading across PCs, consoles, and even on-the-go mobile experiences.
Regardless of the final form this teased “next-gen” project takes, it’s clear Shift Up is keen on capitalizing upon any mainstream success Stellar Blade may bring by immediately pivoting towards establishing their next bold multimedia sci-fi franchise. With their mech combat opus set to debut in just weeks, fans and industry watchers alike will be closely monitoring how Shift Up aims to disrupt action RPG norms with this newly revealed cross-platform venture.
