SHIFT UP Unveils New Game “Project Spirits” – An Eastern Fantasy Adventure Coming in 2027

SHIFT UP, the acclaimed South Korean studio behind Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, has officially announced its next major title: Project Spirits. Described as a “subculture” game rooted in Eastern Fantasy, this new IP is targeting a global launch in 2027.

From “Project Witches” to “Project Spirits”: A New Era Begins

Formerly codenamed Project Witches, Project Spirits is being developed as a large-scale cross-platform title for both PC and mobile, powered by Unreal Engine 5. The game is set to continue SHIFT UP’s signature blend of high-end visuals, stylish action, and deep narrative-driven experiences.

The studio has already revealed the first logo and teaser artwork, giving fans a glimpse into its anime-inspired visual direction. The aesthetic is clearly influenced by titles like Genshin Impact, suggesting SHIFT UP is aiming to compete directly in the action RPG genre with a rich, fantasy-driven world.

New IP, Familiar Style

Although just a teaser for now, the revealed artwork hints at a return to SHIFT UP’s recognizable style—fans may notice similarities to character designs from the studio’s earlier mobile game, Destiny Child. Some AI-generated elements in the promotional images have been pointed out by fans, but these visuals are likely just placeholders.

Notably, Project Spirits is an entirely original intellectual property, expanding the studio's portfolio beyond existing franchises. The company had previously teased a large-scale AAA urban sci-fi RPG in 2023, but this is now confirmed to be a different project.

Stellar Blade Sequel Confirmed — But Not for Mobile

In related news, SHIFT UP has also confirmed that a sequel to Stellar Blade is in development. However, this new entry will not be coming to mobile platforms.

Recruitment Underway for Project Spirits

With development still in the early stages, SHIFT UP is now actively hiring for Project Spirits. Open positions include project managers, character artists, level designers, screenwriters, and more.

Given the studio’s track record with highly successful and visually striking games, Project Spirits is shaping up to be a major release worth watching. While the full reveal is still a way off, SHIFT UP’s growing ambition signals another potential blockbuster in the making.