Shift Up, known for titles like Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: Nikke, has acquired Unbound Inc., a new studio founded by renowned game designer Shinji Mikami. This partnership will see Unbound's upcoming projects fully supported and distributed by the South Korean publisher, headed by CEO Hyung-Tae Kim.
Mikami, celebrated for his work on the Resident Evil series and his roles at both PlatinumGames and Tango Gameworks, aims to target the global PC and console markets with Unbound. Although the studio's current projects remain unannounced, it is expected to incorporate traditional horror elements alongside innovative gameplay.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Mikami expressed optimism about the creative synergy with Kim, noting a shared vision that promises to enhance their game development efforts. This acquisition also marks a significant step for Mikami, who previously faced instability after his departure from Tango Gameworks, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2021.