Home
Eastern Fantasy

Shift Up's Project Spirits Confirmed to Use Unreal Engine 5

Shift Up's Project Spirits Confirmed to Use Unreal Engine 5
Project Spirits game logo with Unreal Engine 5 emblem and concept art

Gaming juggernaut Shift Up, the acclaimed studio behind hits like Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, is gearing up for its next major title, Project Spirits. Fresh insights from recent job postings strongly indicate the highly anticipated "Eastern Fantasy" RPG will harness the power of Unreal Engine 5 (UE5), signaling a commitment to cutting-edge visuals and immersive gameplay. This strategic engine choice positions Project Spirits as a direct challenger to established anime RPG giants in the burgeoning cross-platform space.

Unreal Engine 5 Adoption Bolstered by Hiring Spree

As of November 24, Shift Up's official recruitment website has unveiled a significant number of openings for Project Spirits, with many job descriptions explicitly listing Unreal Engine 5 and associated tools as preferred requirements. For instance, the VFX artist position specifically demands a minimum of three years of experience with Unreal Engine 5 and Niagara. This extensive requirement across critical development roles, including level designers and character artists, provides a near-unmistakable confirmation of UE5's foundational role in the project. The move aligns with a broader industry trend, as many studios transition to UE5 for its robust toolset and capacity for high-fidelity graphics.

Unveiling Project Spirits: A Glimpse into Shift Up's Next Epic

Project Spirits, previously known by its codename Project Witches, is envisioned as a "subculture cross-platform title" steeped in the rich lore of Eastern Fantasy. While official details remain sparse, with only early character art depicting anime-styled figures against an Asian architectural backdrop available, the pervasive theme of open-world exploration and combat found in job descriptions paints a clearer picture. Shift Up appears poised to deliver an open-world anime RPG experience, potentially featuring gacha mechanics, an area where the studio has a proven track record with titles like Destiny Child and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE.

The ambition for Project Spirits is evident in the specific interests cited within job postings. Narrative roles, for instance, mentioned a passion for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, highlighted as a strong contender for 2025 Game of the Year. Furthermore, candidates for various positions were encouraged to share an affinity for influential titles, including:

  • Genshin Impact
  • Wuthering Waves
  • Zenless Zone Zero
  • Goddess of Victory: Nikke
  • Stellar Blade
  • Ghost of Tsushima

These preferences underscore Shift Up's aspiration to blend elements of successful open-world RPGs, high-fidelity action, and their established anime aesthetic into a compelling new experience.

Gameplay and Visuals: Inspirations Emerge

Further analysis of the recruitment details reveals intriguing insights into the potential gameplay and artistic direction of Project Spirits. Level designer roles emphasize experience with open-world design, encompassing intricate questlines, strategic monster placement, dynamic battles, and expansive exploration. VFX artists are guided by inspiration from titles such as Black Myth: Wukong and the Devil May Cry series for crafting dazzling effects for weapons, character skills, and environments, suggesting a visually spectacular and action-packed combat system.

While the adoption of Unreal Engine 5 promises stunning visuals, early discussions about potential performance and graphics optimization are premature. Industry benchmarks show that while games like Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero utilize Unity, many cutting-edge anime-styled titles, including Neverness to Everness and Wuthering Waves, have successfully leveraged Unreal Engine 5.

Future Horizons for Project Spirits

According to 2024 reports, fans should mark their calendars for 2027 or later for the anticipated launch of Project Spirits. With Shift Up's track record of delivering visually striking and engaging games, the confirmation of Unreal Engine 5 development and the revealed inspirations set a high bar for their next flagship IP. As development progresses, the gaming community eagerly awaits further official announcements from Shift Up regarding this ambitious "Eastern Fantasy" endeavor.