Shift Up has confirmed that Stellar Blade 2 is in active development, and based on recent job listings, the sequel appears to be ditching PlayStation exclusivity right from launch. The Korean developer is recruiting for multiple positions to create what they’re describing as a multiplatform AAA action game built on Unreal Engine 5, marking a significant shift in strategy after the first game’s enormous success on PC.
Job Listing Reveals Multiplatform Strategy
The job posting from Shift Up makes the studio’s intentions crystal clear. They’re seeking talent for what they describe as “a AAA action game for multiple platforms that expands upon the world of the globally successful Stellar Blade.” The listing specifically states the game “is set to be released on several platforms, including consoles and PC” while maintaining the stylish combat and narrative-driven universe fans loved in the original.
What makes this particularly interesting is the inclusion of a specialized “PC battle designer” position. Having a dedicated PC-focused role this early in development strongly suggests Shift Up is planning a simultaneous release across all platforms rather than the staggered approach used for the first game. This would be a departure from the original Stellar Blade, which launched as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in April 2024 before hitting PC in June 2025.
PC Sales Changed Everything
The decision to go multiplatform from day one makes perfect business sense when you look at the numbers. Stellar Blade sold over 1 million copies on Steam in just three days, becoming the fastest-selling Korean game in the platform’s history. The PC version generated over $56 million in revenue, with Chinese players accounting for 56% of those sales. Combined with PlayStation 5 sales of approximately 2.1 million copies, the total reached around 3 million units.
These impressive PC numbers likely opened Shift Up’s eyes to the potential of simultaneous multiplatform launches. The game peaked at 192,078 concurrent players on Steam during its launch weekend, outperforming other Sony-published titles like Ghost of Tsushima and God of War. With this kind of performance, limiting the sequel to timed exclusivity would mean leaving significant money on the table.
Breaking Free From Sony
Stellar Blade was originally planned as a multiplatform title for last-generation consoles, including Xbox One. However, after years of silence, Sony stepped in to publish it globally, providing development and marketing support from their XDev team in exchange for exclusivity. Now, with the sequel in early development, Shift Up appears to have the financial independence to make different decisions.
The studio’s success with Goddess of Victory: Nikke, which has earned over $1 billion, combined with Stellar Blade’s strong performance, puts them in a much stronger negotiating position. While Shift Up has indicated they’re not interested in self-publishing and will still need a publishing partner, the terms of that partnership might look very different this time around.
What Platforms Can We Expect
The job listing mentions “consoles and PC” without getting specific, but industry watchers are speculating about what that actually means. PlayStation 5 or its successor PS6 seems like a lock, given Sony’s previous relationship with Shift Up. PC is explicitly confirmed based on the dedicated battle designer role. The big question mark is Xbox.
In a recent earnings call, Shift Up mentioned “considering additional platform expansions” to make Stellar Blade accessible to more players. The plural “expansions” suggests multiple platforms beyond just PC. Xbox Series X and Series S would be logical targets, especially since the original game was supposed to hit Xbox One before Sony’s involvement. Switch 2 is another possibility, with Shift Up telling PlayForum earlier this year they were “reviewing various possibilities internally” regarding Nintendo’s upcoming console.
PlayStation Precedent Already Set
Some fans worried about Sony blocking multiplatform releases can relax. PlayStation has already demonstrated flexibility with published titles. Helldivers 2 launched on Xbox after initially being PlayStation exclusive, and Sony released Lost Soul Aside simultaneously on PlayStation and PC. These precedents suggest Sony might be willing to work with Shift Up on a day-one multiplatform launch, especially if PlayStation still gets marketing priority.
The gaming landscape is also shifting away from strict exclusivity. With development costs ballooning into the hundreds of millions for AAA titles, publishers and developers alike are recognizing the financial benefits of reaching the widest possible audience from day one. A multiplatform Stellar Blade 2 could easily sell double or triple what a PlayStation-exclusive version would manage.
Development Timeline and Expectations
The fact that Shift Up is still recruiting for key development roles suggests fans shouldn’t expect Stellar Blade 2 anytime soon. Industry analysts are pointing to 2027 or later as a realistic launch window. By that time, we might be looking at next-generation hardware like PS6 and a new Xbox console, which could completely reshape exclusivity strategies across the industry.
The sequel will be built on Unreal Engine 5, a significant upgrade from the original’s Unreal Engine 4 foundation. This should deliver substantial visual improvements and take advantage of current and next-generation hardware capabilities. Shift Up is hiring across multiple disciplines including artists, composers, and programmers, indicating they’re building something ambitious that expands meaningfully on the first game.
What This Means for Gaming
Stellar Blade 2’s apparent multiplatform strategy represents a broader trend in the gaming industry. As development costs continue rising, exclusivity deals are becoming harder to justify unless the platform holder is fully funding development. Shift Up has the financial strength and proven track record to negotiate better terms, and they’re clearly using that leverage to maximize their sequel’s reach.
For players, this is unequivocally good news. More platforms mean more accessibility, and competition among storefronts can lead to better pricing. Xbox players who missed out on the original will potentially get to experience the sequel alongside everyone else. PC players won’t have to wait months for a port. And PlayStation fans still get the game, just without the bragging rights of exclusivity.
FAQs
Is Stellar Blade 2 officially confirmed?
Yes, Shift Up has confirmed development of a Stellar Blade sequel through official job listings. The company is actively recruiting for multiple positions to work on the project.
Will Stellar Blade 2 be on Xbox?
While not officially confirmed, the job listing states the game will release on “multiple platforms, including consoles and PC.” This strongly suggests Xbox Series X and Series S are potential targets, especially since Shift Up mentioned considering “additional platform expansions.”
When will Stellar Blade 2 release?
No release date has been announced. Since Shift Up is still hiring for key development positions, industry watchers expect 2027 at the earliest, possibly later depending on the game’s scope.
How successful was the original Stellar Blade?
Stellar Blade sold over 1 million copies on PC in just three days, making it the fastest-selling Korean game on Steam. Combined with PlayStation 5 sales of approximately 2.1 million copies, total sales reached around 3 million units.
Will the sequel skip PlayStation exclusivity entirely?
Based on the job listing language emphasizing multiplatform development from the start, it appears the sequel will launch simultaneously on multiple platforms rather than starting as a PlayStation exclusive like the original.
What engine is Stellar Blade 2 using?
The sequel is being developed on Unreal Engine 5, an upgrade from the original game’s Unreal Engine 4. This should provide significant visual and technical improvements.
Could Stellar Blade 2 come to Nintendo Switch 2?
Possibly. Shift Up told PlayForum they were “reviewing various possibilities internally” regarding Nintendo platforms. The Switch 2’s improved hardware could make it a viable target for the sequel.
Conclusion
Stellar Blade 2’s multiplatform approach signals a confident studio making smart business decisions based on hard sales data. After watching the original game become a massive hit on PC, Shift Up clearly recognizes the value of reaching multiple audiences simultaneously. While nothing is set in stone until official announcements drop, the evidence strongly points toward a day-one multiplatform launch that could make the sequel one of 2027’s biggest releases across all gaming platforms.