Project Spirit: Decoding the New Collaboration Between Shift Up and Everstar

A Powerhouse Collaboration is Born

The gaming landscape is buzzing with the recent confirmation that Project Spirit, the highly anticipated new title from Nikkedeveloper Shift Up, will be published globally by Level Infinite. In a more revealing twist, the development will be a joint effort between Shift Up and Tencent's Everstar Studio. This partnership merges Shift Up's acclaimed expertise in character-driven action RPGs with Everstar's experience in global live-service operations and, notably, their work on the visually stunning Alchemy Stars. For players, this collaboration signals a project with immense potential, combining compelling gameplay with a sophisticated global strategy. This guide delves into what this partnership means for the game's future.

Everstar Studio: From Alchemy Stars to a Global Stage

To understand the significance of this collaboration, we must look at Everstar Studio's journey. Originally known as Tourdog Studio, the team created the acclaimed Alchemy Stars, renowned for its beautiful art style and tactical depth. After being fully acquired and reorganized by Tencent in 2021, the studio was rebranded to focus on Tencent's global gaming ambitions. While the original founders departed, the core talent and experience from developing a successful live-service game remain. Their recent work includes assisting with the NikkeChina server localization, proving their ability to handle complex, character-centric games. Their involvement in Project Spiritsuggests a deep commitment to quality and a nuanced understanding of what global players want.

The Level Infinite Factor: A Seal of Global Ambition

The choice of Level Infinite as publisher is a clear indicator of the project's scale. Level Infinite, Tencent's global publishing brand, is known for handling major titles like PUBG Mobileand Eternal Evolution. Their involvement ensures that Project Spiritwill benefit from a massive marketing push, robust server infrastructure, and a coordinated global release strategy. For players, this means a higher likelihood of a smooth launch, consistent content updates, and a thriving international community.

What to Expect from an "Eastern Fantasy Open-World ARPG"

The genre description is a key detail. "Eastern Fantasy" sets it apart from standard Western medieval fantasy, suggesting a world inspired by Chinese mythology, folklore, and aesthetics. "Open-World ARPG" promises vast, explorable landscapes combined with the fast-paced, skill-based combat Shift Up is known for. Imagine the character action of Nikkeor Goddess of Victory: Nikketranslated into a seamless, immersive world, with the artistic sensibility of Alchemy Stars. This combination is uniquely positioned to captivate a global audience.