SHIFT UP's Stellar Blade achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Korea Game Awards, held on November 13th at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO). The game secured an impressive seven awards, showcasing its excellence in various categories.
Stellar Blade's Triumph at the 2024 Korea Game Awards
Stellar Blade earned the prestigious Excellence Award, along with six other accolades recognizing its achievements in game planning/scenario, graphics, character design, and sound design. It also received the Outstanding Developer Award and the Popular Game Award.
This victory marks the fifth Korea Game Award win for Stellar Blade's director and SHIFT UP CEO, Kim Hyung-tae. His previous successes include contributions to Magna Carta 2, The War of Genesis 3, Blade and Soul, and Goddess of Victory: Nikke.
In his acceptance speech, as reported by Econovill, Kim Hyung-tae expressed gratitude for the team's dedication, highlighting the initial skepticism surrounding the development of a Korean-made console game.
While Stellar Blade narrowly missed the Grand Prize (awarded to Netmarble’s Solo Leveling: ARISE), SHIFT UP remains committed to the game's future. Kim Hyung-tae confirmed plans for substantial future updates, aiming for the Grand Prize in future competitions.
A Summary of 2024 Korea Game Awards Winners:
| Award | Awardee | Company |
|---|---|
| Grand Presidential Award | Solo Leveling: ARISE | Netmarble |
| Prime Minister Award | Stellar Blade (Excellence Award) | SHIFT UP |
| Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award (Best Game Award) | |
| Trickcal Re:VIVE | Epid Games |
| Lord Nine | Smilegate |
| The First Descendant | Nexon Games |
| Sports Shipbuilding President Award | |
| Stellar Blade (Best Planning/Scenario) | SHIFT UP |
| Stellar Blade (Best Sound Design) | |
| Electronic Times President Award | |
| Stellar Blade (Best Graphics) | |
| Stellar Blade (Best Character Design) | |
| Commendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism | |
| Hanwha Life Esports (eSports Development Award) | |
| Gyu-Cheol Kim (Achievement Award) | Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Award |
| Kim Hyung-Tae (Outstanding Developer Award) | SHIFT UP |
| Stellar Blade (Popular Game Award) | |
| Terminus: Zombie Survivors (Indie Game Award) | Longplay Studios |
| Korean Creative Content Agency President Award | ReLU Games (Startup Company Award) |
| Game Management Committee Chairperson Award | Smilegate Megaport (Proper Gaming Environment Creation Company Award) |
| Game Cultural Foundation Director Award | Uncover the Smoking Gun | ReLU Games |
Despite missing a Golden Joystick Awards nomination, Stellar Blade's future remains bright. A collaboration with NieR: Automata is set for November 20th, with a PC release planned for 2025. SHIFT UP's commitment to continued marketing and content updates ensures the game's ongoing success and potentially paves the way for future Korean AAA titles.
