Shift Up’s ‘Stellar Blade,’ which expanded its attain from PS5 in 2024 to PC, is now heading to Nintendo Change 2. Launching on November 6, the Change 2 model is a “Full Version” that bundles all content material launched to this point, developed with the aim of sustaining as a lot of the motion and visible high quality felt on present consoles and PC as attainable, even in handheld mode.
On this port, what Shift Up valued most was not leaving the impression of a “downgrade that should be accepted as a result of it is the Change 2 model.” Aiming for 60fps in most conditions for each docked and handheld modes, the studio balanced efficiency and visible high quality by using each NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR. New platform-tailored makes an attempt had been additionally added, together with aspect content material using Pleasure-Con 2 movement and mouse options, bodily packaged editions with recreation cartridges, and a ‘Bayonetta’ collaboration.
Nevertheless, the interview with Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim at TGS 2026 didn’t finish with simply speak of the Change 2 port. The dialog naturally flowed into Shift Up’s subsequent steps, overlaying classes realized from platform enlargement, self-publishing methods, reflection on just lately unveiled AI content material and future utilization ideas, ideas on rising {hardware} costs and DLSS 5, and the way taking part in ‘Crimson Desert’ reshaped his recreation improvement philosophy.
When porting ‘Stellar Blade’ to Nintendo Change 2, what did you concentrate on most, and what had been the largest challenges?
“ When Change 2 got here out, I felt ‘we will pull this off with specs like this,’ so we started improvement. Nevertheless, the efficiency and {hardware} structure had been undoubtedly totally different from conventional consoles.
Crucial factor to us was preserving the unique gameplay expertise. We did not need to supply a downgraded expertise just because it is Change 2; we wished to verify gamers may get pleasure from it easily sufficient even when in comparison with different platforms.
We additionally paid shut consideration to making sure that body charge and backbone transitions felt seamless when switching between docked and handheld modes. We designed it in order that regardless of the place you play, you get an expertise that does not really feel a lot totally different from the present ‘Stellar Blade.’ Now, gamers can get pleasure from ‘Stellar Blade’ mendacity in mattress or on the go.
Was there any aspect you refused to compromise on in the course of the Change 2 optimization course of?
“ The one factor I did not need to surrender on till the top was 60fps. By adjusting decision and upscaling for each docked and handheld modes, we ensured gameplay at 60fps in most conditions. Whereas there are situations the place it drops to round 50fps, we tried to maintain the precise play really feel as shut as attainable to taking part in on console or PC.
Because it’s an motion recreation, controller responsiveness and suggestions had been additionally essential. To attain this, we utilized each NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR. Though Change 2 makes use of an NVIDIA chipset, FSR could be applied on the software program stage, so we ported it and leveraged each applied sciences to safe each body charge and backbone.
Our engineers labored extraordinarily laborious. While you really play it, you will really feel that you may get pleasure from it with out feeling a noticeable drop in graphic high quality. Particularly, we preserved the character’s attraction, motion, and the texture of the motion as similar as attainable.
I did not need gamers to really feel like they had been taking part in a downgraded recreation simply because they had been taking part in on Change 2.
The DualSense’s adaptive triggers and haptic suggestions had been additionally signature options of ‘Stellar Blade.’ Are there any options distinctive to Pleasure-Con 2?
“ Taking a look at different video games, I felt that Pleasure-Con options weren’t being utilized as actively as they could possibly be. So we made a couple of distinctive makes an attempt in our recreation.
We adjusted haptic suggestions to match the controller’s traits, and gamers can use the Pleasure-Con’s movement controls for fishing. We additionally ready minigames that make the most of mouse mode.
Since drastically altering core gameplay controls would make the expertise totally different from different platforms, we primarily utilized these options in aspect content material. These parts ought to add a novel layer of enjoyable unique to the Change 2 model.
Beginning with PS5, the sport expanded to PC and now Change 2. What was your greatest takeaway from this course of?
“ I noticed that platforms aren’t as accessible to all gamers as one would possibly suppose. There are individuals who need to play a recreation on a sure platform however cannot, and as you broaden platforms, you notice anew that new gamers who could not be reached earlier than get to expertise the sport.
In that sense, I see the Change 2 model as a chance to attach with new gamers. Moreover, we’ll doubtless take into account a multiplatform method favorably in our future improvement technique.
When contemplating multiplatform, is there an opportunity that inventive freedom may be diminished on account of platform-specific restrictions?
“ I do not suppose inventive freedom is considerably impacted by platforms. We aren’t an organization that limits creation itself as a result of ambiance or constraints of a particular platform. Except we prohibit ourselves, we do not alter creative expression for these causes.
Nevertheless, within the Change 2 model, on account of considerations concerning sure dismemberment depictions, we barely enhanced the mechanical really feel of some severed cross-sections. This was not forcibly requested by anybody. Additionally, as a result of (the modifications in dismemberment depictions) current no narrative points, I do not take into account it a change that impacts the sport as a complete.
Some gamers may be involved about censorship or modifications in depiction in comparison with present variations.
“ It is laborious to enter element because it could possibly be a spoiler, but it surely’s solely that the blood depiction on the severed arm cross-section of a particular character has been barely darkened. Apart from that, nothing has modified. There are not any modifications to outfits both. You’ll be able to play with out fear.
I am curious in case your perspective on the character Eve has modified over the 2 years since launch.
“ After we first made ‘Stellar Blade,’ we contemplated how sturdy of a character we must always give Eve for gamers to grow to be immersed.
We thought that if a personality’s character was too sturdy and she or he acted in methods gamers did not count on, it would break immersion. That is why we initially designed her as a considerably clean slate. Due to that, even minor progress may really feel vital, however personally, I felt her characterization was a bit missing.
Nevertheless, gamers really advised us that they favored Eve for who she was—that they appreciated how pure, sincere, and sort she was in responding to occasions. Listening to that made me notice, ‘Being form is unquestionably a character trait in itself, and I had forgotten that.’ For an individual, kindness could be a huge attraction.
I felt that gamers had been those who actually found Eve’s attraction. It made me notice deeply {that a} character actually positive factors life solely after passing from the developer’s palms to the gamers.
There have been destructive reactions from gamers concerning the just lately launched ‘Blood Rain’ AI music video. Did you anticipate this, and will you share extra particulars concerning the intent behind displaying that music video?
“ I feel that is the primary time I am talking about this. Actually, I am grateful for the chance to handle it.
We had been conducting experiments and analysis on numerous AI purposes by AI Labs. In that course of, we thought the end result turned out first rate, and we ended up releasing what ought to have remained within the realm of experimentation as if it had been official content material.
With the sport not even out but, having such experimental parts disclosed first by official channels appears to have left gamers dissatisfied. Relating to that, I really feel actually sorry for failing to correctly distinguish between important content material and inside experiments.
Sooner or later, we’ll doubtless not publish experimental outputs of this nature by important content material. Nevertheless, as for whether or not we’ll chorus from utilizing AI ceaselessly, realistically, I feel that is tough. It will likely be utilized in a single kind or one other.
In that case, what’s vital is explaining to gamers how we intend to make use of it and in what method we’ll put it to use correctly. That can also be a key accountability of a developer. Whereas we’ll proceed AI-related analysis, we plan to strictly separate what goes into important content material from experimental analysis.
Above all, I apologize to those that had an uncomfortable expertise with that content material. Transferring ahead, I need to current high-quality recreation content material. In the end, we consider displaying pure gameplay is our most vital core worth, so we’ll re-engage gamers by gameplay.
You talked about that your ideas as a developer have shifted just lately. Might you converse extra particularly about that?
“ These days, I feel lots about how occasions are altering. The North American gaming business can also be going by extreme hardship with huge layoffs, and it feels just like the success formulation of the previous now not work as they used to.
Due to this, we strongly really feel that we, too, should present gamers actually new video games by recent challenges.
Has there been a change in your precise improvement philosophy as effectively?
“ Essentially, I deeply respect present blockbuster titles and works from numerous studios. Nevertheless, just lately, my former line of considering has shifted considerably. Particularly, taking part in ‘Crimson Desert’ gave me an epiphany: ‘Gamers could be actually keen about video games they love.’
It sounds apparent, however when gamers love a recreation, they actively throw all their ardour into taking part in it. And gamers are extraordinarily good.
In my case, once I come house after utilizing my mind all day, I need to loosen up when taking part in video games, so a part of me used to suppose, ‘Should not video games be made a bit simpler?’
However I mirrored on how obsessed I used to be when taking part in video games I cherished previously. When gamers play a recreation they love, they grow to be smarter than normal, actively discovering environment friendly methods or enjoyable strategies to get pleasure from it on their very own.
In that case, reasonably than video games consistently holding the participant’s hand gently, I noticed that presenting a level of problem to the participant can also be crucial. That is how a recreation turns into one thing gamers can dig deep into.
My recreation creation philosophy has broadened considerably in that course. In fact, I have never completed ‘Crimson Desert’ all through but. (laughs)
Rising {hardware} costs are additionally changing into a serious concern within the gaming business. How do you view this from a developer’s perspective?
“ Personally, I typically really feel prefer it’s akin to a pure catastrophe. Whereas I’m very proactive concerning AI adoption, it’s totally unlucky that the growth within the AI business is forcing gamers to pay larger {hardware} costs simply to get pleasure from video games.
The gaming business, above all, depends on {hardware}. As costs for reminiscence, storage, GPUs, and different elements rise, driving {hardware} inflation throughout your entire video games business, I discover it fairly upsetting.
In such a local weather, I’ve taken curiosity in software-based applied sciences like DLSS 5, although I would prefer to preface that it is a private thought, not an official firm place.
DLSS 5 was just lately proven working in numerous environments, and I discover it fascinating that it is a software-driven method reasonably than being tied solely to particular {hardware}. If software program can play a better position in processing the identical pixels, enhancing graphical high quality would possibly now not strictly require {hardware} upgrades.
If such know-how advances and turns into extra developer-friendly, I maintain hope that graphics can evolve independently from {hardware} development.
We aren’t making use of it to our video games but. It is at a stage the place I’m personally finding out its potential.
Talking of DLSS 5, is there an opportunity that AI enhancing graphics would possibly compromise the artists’ intent or originality? What are your ideas on this?
“ DLSS 5 will not be a know-how that ‘attracts new issues from scratch,’ however reasonably falls into the area of post-processing, refining present graphics and lighting to look extra pure. What issues is how a lot management builders have over that course of.
Whereas there are tunable parameters even now, if we grow to be in a position to individually alter coaching fashions or management kinds sooner or later, I consider it may be used in step with artists’ intent.
Nevertheless, as a developer, I even have considerations. On PC, while you play a recreation with such know-how enabled after which flip it off, there are moments the place the graphics abruptly really feel like they’ve plummeted.
In that case, the right way to craft graphics past what gamers have already grown accustomed to in next-generation video games may grow to be a brand new hurdle for builders. In a manner, it may be each a blessing and a curse. Nonetheless, I do not consider this know-how can change the basic core of gaming.
The bodily cartridge and package deal version for ‘Stellar Blade’ on Change 2 have been producing buzz. What was causing making ready bodily media in a digital age?
“ I do know that recreation digitization and digital possession points are large subjects amongst gamers.
Whereas I can not converse for the corporate’s official stance, personally, I’ve at all times believed that video games belong to the gamers. As a fellow gamer, I used to gather bodily recreation packages one after the other, stack them towards the wall and take a look at them, pull them out sometimes to play, and lend them to buddies. These experiences are actually treasured.
So, whereas we will nonetheless supply such experiences, I wished to share this story with gamers, which is why we ready a bodily Change 2 package deal that features a actual cartridge. On the again of the duvet artwork, there’s additionally an analog illustration drawn by artist Junho Jeong. Believing that bodily media itself can function a cherished reminiscence at this cut-off date, we ready it with nice care.
To commemorate the Change 2 launch, a collaboration with ‘Bayonetta’ was introduced. How did this crossover come collectively?
“ ‘Bayonetta’ is a prime 3 motion recreation in my life. Because it’s one among my all-time favourite motion video games, I at all times held the thought that I undoubtedly wished to do one thing with ‘Bayonetta’ sometime.
Then, contact was established with PlatinumGames and CEO Inaba. Whereas it wasn’t at a scale the place we may mix deep lore or gameplay techniques, we determined to first do a dressing up collaboration. A complete of 4 outfits are added, together with Bayonetta’s authentic outfit from the primary ‘Bayonetta’ and Jeanne’s outfit.
One other is the white nun outfit that appeared early within the first ‘Bayonetta.’ It is the outfit from that intense intro the place Bayonetta prays in a nun behavior earlier than throwing it off as fight begins. I feel it is an outfit hardly ever seen in different recreation crossovers.
The final one is an authentic collaboration costume designed on my own and the Shift Up employees. Imagining ‘what would Eve put on if she appeared in Bayonetta’s world,’ we designed it with a raven motif.
Personally, I particularly advocate this authentic costume. The coiffure is exclusive, and the varied ornaments hooked up to her physique actually make Eve’s fight motions stand out.
When implementing Bayonetta’s signature costumes, had been there particular particulars you centered on to faithfully recreate the unique?
“ I wished to indicate the scene the place her hair covers her physique when altering costumes, however we could not go fairly that far. We lacked a little bit of braveness. (laughs)
Relatively than arbitrarily reinterpreting supplies, we aimed to recreate the unique look—as applied on {hardware} on the time—as faithfully as attainable utilizing trendy know-how. On the black outfit, there are sections that appear to be ornamentation, however they’re really all lettering.
To precisely replicate even that textual content, we labored carefully with PlatinumGames to align each element. We made it with deep respect for the unique work, and I consider it is a stage of high quality that may fulfill followers. Moreover, whereas the Bayonetta collaboration is an replace celebrating the Change 2 launch, present house owners of ‘Stellar Blade’ throughout all platforms can obtain it at no cost.
I met briefly with CEO Inaba earlier, and after the interview, I plan to satisfy him once more and say, ‘Let’s do one thing collectively once more.’ (laughs) Since it is a title I really like a lot, I need to attempt working towards one thing deeper than simply this outfit collaboration.
You’re additionally actively making ready for self-publishing. How far alongside is that course of at the moment?
“ It has been slightly over a 12 months since we started full preparations. Nevertheless, that does not imply Shift Up will deal with the whole lot immediately shifting ahead. We’re an organization that began as a developer, and we intend to deal with domains immediately the place we will greatest distribute our video games. Conversely, if there are companions who carry out higher than us in sure areas, we’ll proceed to collaborate with them.
In the meanwhile, it’s extremely doubtless that we’ll immediately handle on-line distribution for packaged/console video games made by Shift Up or our subsidiary Unbound. Whereas we’ll deal with bodily distribution as effectively, we could companion with exterior publishers or businesses for sure restricted editions or particular areas.
As a result of publishing live-service video games takes appreciable time to construct up the required enterprise capabilities, it is laborious to say we’ll deal with that immediately within the instant future.
As we construct our enterprise capabilities, we plan to steadily broaden, ranging from domains the place we really feel we perceive the market completely and may execute effectively.
We heard you talked with Shinji Mikami about Unbound’s new title at the moment in improvement. Did you obtain any recommendation from him whereas making ready the Change 2 model of ‘Stellar Blade’?
“ Shinji Mikami at all times tells me it appears to be like nice every time I present him one thing. (laughs) However after we meet in individual to speak, he offers extra particular recommendation.
I did not obtain separate recommendation concerning the Change 2 model, however we speak lots concerning the recreation at the moment being developed at Unbound.
Nevertheless, as a result of I consider it is best for Mr. Mikami to speak about that recreation himself, I can not supply particular particulars proper now. I can solely say they’re creating one thing actually superb and intriguing.
What I felt whereas speaking with him is that he’s not solely an unbelievable developer but in addition somebody who places immense effort into serving to junior builders develop.
Is there a chance that future Shift Up titles will launch concurrently throughout a number of platforms?
“ At the moment, nothing has been determined concerning the discharge platforms for our subsequent title.
Nevertheless, in enterprise, I consider it is higher not to attract boundaries from the beginning saying ‘we cannot go right here.’ Our stance is that wherever technical functionality permits and gamers exist, we’ll go.
That mentioned, if we now have to sacrifice the sport itself to assist a particular platform, we’ll prioritize the sport. We’ll attempt to succeed in as many gamers as attainable, and we plan to actively make the most of the technical know-how gained whereas constructing this Change 2 model.
Due to the identify “Full Version,” some marvel if post-launch assist for ‘Stellar Blade’ will finish after this model.
“ Though ‘Stellar Blade’ has come a good distance over a two-year journey since its launch, we plan to proceed post-launch assist shifting ahead.
Whereas I can not promise particular replace contents proper now, I can say that even when our subsequent recreation comes out, some updates would possibly nonetheless be made to the primary ‘Stellar Blade.’
For many who buy and play our recreation, we’ll proceed working nearly obsessively to ship content material to you.
Will Picture Mode within the Change 2 model assist the identical options as present platforms?
“ Since coming into Picture Mode lowers the body charge, you need to use the identical options as present variations.
Nevertheless, on account of {hardware} traits, coming into Picture Mode will not dramatically soar in decision. The captured picture decision will match the Change 2 display stage. Except for that, you needn’t fear about function variations.
Do you propose to heart future recreation bulletins round particular occasions like TGS?
“ For recreation bulletins, I feel ‘while you do it’ is extra vital than ‘the place you do it.’ Relying on timing, it could possibly be Gamescom, Summer time Sport Fest, TGA, State of Play, or an Xbox Showcase. We’re holding all potentialities open.
When a recreation is prepared at an applicable time, if there’s a stage greatest fitted to it, we’ll do our greatest to current it there.
Lastly, is there something you wish to say to the gamers who’ve supported ‘Stellar Blade’?
“ Whereas creating ‘Stellar Blade,’ there was a time when the corporate was in a state of affairs the place it may solely pay salaries for about 3 months.
We visited many locations looking for funding, however many traders and main publishers advised us that ‘Stellar Blade’ was a threat, not worth, for the corporate. We heard many feedback like, ‘Why make a recreation that clearly will not break even?’ Some traders even mentioned they’d worth the corporate larger if we deserted this recreation and labored on one other challenge.
Again then, I lacked confidence as effectively. There have been occasions once I puzzled if making a recreation like this in Korea was actually the correct alternative. However we pushed by improvement to the top, and what proved our chosen path wasn’t improper was the gamers’ alternative.
Because of you, we had been in a position to proceed making ‘Stellar Blade’ and attempt to create even higher video games. And as video games concentrating on the worldwide market emerge from Korea as effectively, I firmly consider the gaming market is altering. What drives that change, finally, is the gamers who select our video games.
We can’t do the whole lot completely. We’ll absolutely make errors. Nevertheless, by this Change 2 model and our upcoming video games, we’ll do our greatest to ship nice video games so we will regularly repay the assist we have obtained.
The event workforce labored extremely laborious on the Change 2 model as effectively. I can confidently say it’s a title effectively price taking part in your self. We’ll proceed to repay the grace we have obtained from all our gamers.
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