SHIFT UP, the South Korean developer best known for the PlayStation 5 action title Stellar Blade, has officially renamed its next major project. Formerly known as Project Witches, the game will now go forward under the working title Project Spirits. Alongside the rebrand, SHIFT UP has launched an open recruitment campaign to bolster the game’s development team.
The renaming signals a new phase for the game, which is being described internally as a “next-gen cross-platform action RPG.” While official details remain scarce, the studio’s recruitment page offers some early hints about the project’s ambition. SHIFT UP is currently hiring across a variety of departments, including game design, programming, animation, VFX, concept art, audio, and narrative planning suggesting that Project Spirits is entering full production.
From Blades to Spirits
SHIFT UP gained global recognition with Stellar Blade, a fast-paced, visually striking action game that combined character-driven storytelling with stylish hack-and-slash gameplay. The studio’s signature mix of high end visuals, fast combat, and sci-fi themes has earned it a loyal fanbase, and expectations are high for its follow up.
Project Spirits looks to build on that momentum, although its name change may hint at a tonal or thematic shift. Where Project Witches suggested fantasy and magic, Project Spirits could imply a more supernatural or spiritual direction possibly blending mysticism with technology, much like Stellar Blade’s dystopian aesthetic.
A Cross-Platform Ambition
Unlike Stellar Blade, which launched exclusively on PlayStation 5, Project Spirits is confirmed to be a cross-platform release, though specific platforms have not yet been announced. Given SHIFT UP’s prior work on mobile with Destiny Child, and its more recent console experience, fans can likely expect a multiplatform release that spans console and PC at the very least.
This move makes sense given the evolving market for premium Korean developed games, which are increasingly targeting a global audience with simultaneous releases across platforms. SHIFT UP’s recent successes suggest it’s more than capable of delivering an ambitious new title to meet that demand.
Hiring Now
According to the official SHIFT UP recruitment page, the studio is currently seeking developers with experience in Unreal Engine, action combat design, cinematic storytelling, and more. Positions range from junior to senior level, and many offer the opportunity to contribute creatively to the development of the new IP.
For fans and industry watchers alike, this recruitment push offers a glimpse into SHIFT UP’s ambitions for Project Spirits. With a larger team and clear production momentum, the project could become one of South Korea’s most significant original AAA game launches in the years ahead.
SHIFT UP is no longer a studio to watch it’s a studio to follow. With Stellar Blade now firmly behind them and a bold new project underway, the rebranding of Project Witches to Project Spirits marks a fresh start. We’ll be keeping a close eye on development updates, trailers, and gameplay reveals in the months ahead.
Until then, fans can expect SHIFT UP to bring their signature blend of sleek visuals, intense action, and imaginative world building to their next big title whatever form Project Spirits ultimately takes.
1-Up Games 
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