Kim Hyung-tae: From Game Artist to Billionaire Thanks to Stellar Blade
Kim Hyung-tae, the name behind the globally successful Stellar Blade, isn’t just celebrated for his creative vision, but also for his remarkable financial ascent. Once a game artist, Kim is now the founder and chairman of Shift Up, ranking among Korea’s 50 wealthiest individuals. Forbes estimates his net worth at around $725 million, driven by major successes in both mobile and console gaming.
Stellar Blade and Nikke: Pillars of Success
The foundation of Kim Hyung-tae’s rapid rise lies in Goddess of Victory: Nikke, a mobile game developed by Shift Up. This “waifu” character-themed title garnered significant attention in the mobile gaming market, generating substantial revenue for the company. This financial success allowed Shift Up to pursue more ambitious, single-player projects, culminating in the PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade.
Stellar Blade’s success is underscored not only by its sales figures but also by Kim’s personal involvement. As director, co-producer, and designer, Kim remains central to the creative process despite his position as the company’s top executive. This demonstrates his dedication to the project and his attention to detail.
2024 was a record-breaking year for Shift Up. Stellar Blade’s exceeding expectations further solidified the studio’s position in the gaming world. This success directly translated into Kim Hyung-tae’s wealth, raising anticipation for the studio’s future projects. Gamers eagerly await Shift Up’s next move.
Currently, Shift Up is known to be working on a new project, but it remains unclear whether it will follow the Nikke formula or be a story-driven title like Stellar Blade. However, with Kim at the helm, high-quality expectations are already established. Shift Up continues to expand its influence in the Korean gaming industry, not only through its content but also through its revenue and brand power.