SHIFT UP Renames Project Witches to 'Project Spirits', Targets 2027 Cross-Platform Launch

SHIFT UP, the South Korean studio behind Stellar Blade and GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE, has officially renamed its upcoming flagship project—previously codenamed Project Witches—to Project Spirits.

The studio describes the game as a “subculture cross-platform title” that embraces the theme of Eastern Fantasy, with a global launch planned for 2027 on PC and mobile.

The updated description on the SHIFT UP website read:

“Project Spirits is SHIFT UP’s new flagship project, a subculture cross-platform title that embraces the concept of ‘Eastern Fantasy.” 

“As a new IP following Stellar Blade and NIKKE, it is currently in development as a top-tier quality game for the industry, building on SHIFT UP’s proven track record and IP creation expertise demonstrated through previous projects.”

First Artwork and Tone Shift

The game’s first concept art was quietly revealed alongside the announcement. The visuals suggest a rich, stylized world with the same high production values that define SHIFT UP’s portfolio.

While earlier descriptions labeled Project Spirits as an urban fantasy, the studio now appears to be pivoting fully toward “Eastern Fantasy,” hinting at inspiration from East Asian folklore, aesthetics, and mythological elements.

This shift could indicate a more atmospheric or culturally rooted approach, in contrast to the sci-fi-heavy tone of NIKKE or the apocalyptic elegance of Stellar Blade.

What We Know So Far

• Platforms: PC and Mobile

• Planned Release: 2027 (Global)

• Genre/Style: “Subculture” Eastern Fantasy

• Engine: Unreal Engine 5

Although gameplay details are scarce, SHIFT UP’s current hiring spree offers clues. Open positions include:

• Background Artist

• Battle Planner

• Lead Content Planner

• Level Designer

• Monster Artist

• Screenwriter

• Character and Previs Artist

Qualifications suggest the game may include open-world exploration, large-scale maps, and dungeon-style level design, along with JRPG or anime-style influences.

A Sequel to Stellar Blade Comes First

Interestingly, during its most recent earnings call, SHIFT UP confirmed that a sequel to Stellar Blade is in early planning and will arrive before Project Spirits hits the market. The studio is currently focused on launching the PC version of Stellar Blade, scheduled for June 11, 2025.

This timeline gives Project Spirits a clear path to become SHIFT UP’s next major release after Stellar Blade 2, possibly setting it up to compete with other large-scale mobile and cross-platform RPGs in 2027.