Kim Hyung-tae’s journey to immense wealth is a remarkable story. Starting out as a video game artist, Kim eventually founded Shift Up, the studio behind the PS5 success Stellar Blade. His rise has been meteoric, and he now sits among Korea’s 50 richest individuals, with a reported net worth of around $725 million, according to Forbes.
Shift Up’s financial foundation was laid by the massive popularity of Goddess of Victory: Nikke, a mobile game packed with “waifu” characters that captured a huge audience. Thanks to its success, the company had the resources to venture into bigger projects, leading to the creation of the more ambitious and hardcore Stellar Blade for the PS5.
Kim Hyung-tae’s Rise to $725 Million: Shift Up’s Success with Stellar Blade and the Future of GamingKim Hyung-tae Stays Creatively Involved as Shift Up Prepares for Its Next Move
Despite his status as chairman, Kim Hyung-tae remains deeply involved in the creative process. He took on multiple roles in the making of Stellar Blade, including director, co-producer, and co-designer. His continued hands-on approach shows that he’s not just a businessman but remains passionate about game development.
Looking ahead, Shift Up is in a powerful position after a record-breaking 2024. Although the studio is confirmed to be working on a new project, it’s unclear whether it will follow the path of Nikke’s mobile dominance or Stellar Blade’s console success. Fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see what direction Kim and his team will take next.