3h ago
SHIFT UP will release Stellar Blade Complete Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 6, 2026, priced at 7,980 yen including tax. A demo launched on the Nintendo eShop on September 20, and the Switch 2 version is playable at Tokyo Game Show 2026 at Makuhari Messe. The package contains the main game plus all content released so far, including collaboration costumes with NieR and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, with nearly 130 costumes total. Four Bayonetta collaboration costumes will be distributed free on the same day for Switch 2, PC, and PS5 owners. CEO Kim Hyung-tae said the port targets 60fps in both TV and handheld modes, dropping to 50fps in some scenes, and that the play feel is meant to match other platforms. He also confirmed the sequel Stellar Blade BLOOD RAIN is in development.
Sep 8
SHIFT UP CTO Lee Dong-gi commented on the official music video for Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN, which drew mixed reactions after its July release over its use of AI generation technology and video quality. In an interview with TheGamer, he said the video was meant to show more of the game's beauty, world, and characters, and that the studio takes the reactions seriously. He said SHIFT UP will clearly separate game-related content from experimental content going forward, and described AI as a tool that should support developers' creativity. Platforms and release timing remain unannounced.
Aug 12
SHIFT UP reported on August 11 that 'Stellar Blade: Blood Rain' is progressing smoothly toward its quality targets. The sequel, announced at Summer Game Fest 2026, shifts to self-publishing. The company aims to surpass the original by approaching users directly. The Switch 2 version of the original is set for release in late 2026.
Aug 11
Game*Spark's weekly ranking for July 31 to August 6, 2026, lists the top five most-read articles. The list includes backlash over SHIFT UP's AI-generated music video for 'Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN', an analysis of Japan's untapped mech game market, and a Q&A revealing new skills and hard mode for 'Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen'.
Aug 4
SHIFT UP released a music video for "Wanna be in LOVE" Feat. Evie on July 31, tied to the in-development sequel Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN. The video, which features protagonist Evie singing and walking through the game's city, was created using game resources and regenerated with AI assistance, as stated in the video description. YouTube's disclosure section notes that audio and visuals were partially modified or entirely generated by AI. The video has drawn criticism from the community, with comments ranging from calls to stop using AI altogether to complaints about low quality, such as Evie's face changing unnaturally and the text "Fairness and Peace" on her suit appearing distorted. Some fans who are not opposed to AI use still reacted negatively, saying "What matters is how AI is used" and "Don't use AI for promotions." SHIFT UP CEO Kim Hyung-tae responded that the character Evie was built over more than a year by the studio's artists and modelers, and that AI did not create her from scratch. The A.I Labs logo appears at the end of the video, and the company has an internal organization focused on AI-driven development efficiency. Platforms and release timing for Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN have not been announced.
Jun 7
Automaton's 85th weekly roundup highlights seven notable game articles, including the October 2 release of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve with a pre-order bonus port of Ace Combat Zero, the announcement of Monster Hunter Wilds large DLC Ascendance featuring Kushala Daora and Lao-Shan Lung, and Palworld's official release on July 10 with its biggest update.
Jun 5
SHIFT UP officially announced the sequel to its 2024 action game Stellar Blade during the Summer Game Fest 2026 livestream on June 6. The new title is called Stellar Blade: Bloodrain (also styled Stellar Blade BLOOD RAIN). The trailer showed stylish action scenes and cutscenes with high-fidelity graphics. Multiple sources identify the protagonist as a short-haired woman named Evie, while one source suggests the character may be Lily, the mechanic who supported protagonist Eve in the first game. The footage reportedly uses in-game scenes from the PC version. SHIFT UP has not yet released detailed information about the story, release platforms, or launch window. The announcement was part of the Summer Game Fest 2026 showcase, which streamed at 6:00 AM Japan time.