In a significant move for the gaming industry, Shift Up, the developer behind Stellar Blade, has acquired Unbound, the new studio founded by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. This acquisition, announced on Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment as it combines the creative forces of two prominent entities in the gaming world, setting the stage for innovative game development. Unbound, which was established in 2023, has been quietly working on an original IP, boasting a team of around 50 talented developers.

In a remarkable display of appreciation, Shift Up, the South Korean studio behind the acclaimed game Stellar Blade, has gifted its employees an impressive package that includes cash bonuses, Apple AirPods Max, and an Apple Watch. This gesture, valued at over $4,000 per employee, is part of the studio’s ongoing commitment to foster talent and recognize hard work, setting a high bar for employee engagement in the tech industry. Founded in 2013, Shift Up has a history of rewarding its staff with extravagant gifts following successful milestones.