Trending Now - Stellar Blade 2 Shifts Marketing Focus Away From Sony
WHO:
Forbes - Shift Up is the developer of Stellar Blade and its sequel, Stellar Blade 2.
Push Square - Shift Up is also the publisher for Stellar Blade 2.
WHAT:
Forbes - Shift Up's Q1 earnings presentation stated that it will lead marketing strategies that "fully reflect the distinctive identity of the Stellar Blade IP."
Push Square - Shift Up plans to share new details about Stellar Blade 2 and Project Spirits "within the year," as indicated in its Q1 2026 earnings presentation.
Eurogamer - Shift Up's report highlighted that the next Stellar Blade aims to "reach a broad global audience from day one."
Nintendo Life - Shift Up confirmed it is "exploring platform expansion" for Stellar Blade, aiming for a simultaneous launch across multiple platforms, possibly including the Switch 2.
Forbes - Shift Up stated in its Q1 earnings presentation that it will transition to a first-party service model for Stellar Blade 2, allowing for marketing strategies that "fully reflect the distinctive identity of the Stellar Blade IP."
Push Square - Shift Up plans to share new details about Stellar Blade 2 and Project Spirits "within the year," as indicated in its Q1 2026 earnings presentation.
Eurogamer - Shift Up's Q1 2026 report mentioned that the next Stellar Blade is "on track to meet our targeted quality standards" and aims to "reach a broad global audience from day one."
Forbes - Shift Up announced that it will transition to a first-party service model for Stellar Blade 2.
Forbes - Stellar Blade was a breakout hit, selling 6.1 million copies and receiving an 81 metascore and a 9.1/10 from fans.
Push Square - Shift Up plans to share new details about Stellar Blade 2 and Project Spirits within the year.
Push Square - Development of Stellar Blade 2 is progressing smoothly and is on track to meet quality standards.
WHERE:
Forbes - The first game, Stellar Blade, was published as a PlayStation console exclusive by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
WHEN:
Forbes - A potential release for Stellar Blade 2 is speculated for 2028, with a possibility of late 2027.
Push Square - New details about Stellar Blade 2 are expected to be revealed within the year.
WHY:
Eurogamer - Shift Up expressed confidence that the next title will deliver "meaningfully improved results compared to its predecessor" due to high-quality self-publishing capabilities and a proven IP fanbase.
Forbes - Shift Up aims to lead marketing strategies that reflect the distinctive identity of the Stellar Blade IP.
Push Square - Shift Up has grown to the point where it does not need Sony to publish the game anymore.
HOW:
Push Square - Shift Up has acquired Shinji Mikami's new studio Unbound, which will also be involved in self-publishing efforts.
Forbes - Shift Up will handle its own marketing campaign for Stellar Blade 2.
Push Square - Shift Up has acquired multiple IPs across both live-service and PC/console segments, reinforcing its business capabilities.
(UPDATED May 12, 2026 01:30 UTC)
Shift Up's recent Q1 earnings presentation revealed plans to lead marketing strategies that highlight the unique identity of the Stellar Blade IP, while also confirming that new details about Stellar Blade 2 and Project Spirits will be shared within the year. The company aims for the next Stellar Blade to reach a broad global audience from day one and is exploring platform expansion for a simultaneous launch across multiple platforms, potentially including the Switch 2. Additionally, Shift Up has acquired Shinji Mikami's new studio Unbound, which will play a role in their self-publishing efforts.
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(UPDATED May 11, 2026 23:19 UTC)
Shift Up has announced a shift to a first-party service model for Stellar Blade 2, which will allow marketing strategies that truly reflect the unique identity of the game. The company plans to share new details about Stellar Blade 2 and Project Spirits within the year, and their Q1 2026 report indicates that the next installment is on track to meet targeted quality standards while aiming for a broad global audience from day one. Shift Up is confident that this title will deliver significantly improved results compared to its predecessor, thanks to enhanced self-publishing capabilities and a dedicated fanbase.
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(UPDATED May 11, 2026 17:43 UTC)
Shift Up, the developer and publisher of Stellar Blade and its upcoming sequel, Stellar Blade 2, has announced a shift to a first-party service model for the new game. The original Stellar Blade was a breakout success, selling 6.1 million copies and earning an 81 metascore along with a 9.1 from fans, and Shift Up plans to reveal more details about Stellar Blade 2 and Project Spirits within the year. With a potential release date speculated for late 2027 or 2028, Shift Up is now poised to manage its own marketing campaign, reflecting the unique identity of the Stellar Blade franchise.