Shift Up’s Project Spirits is coming with Tencent backing — should players be excited?

Why Project Spirits actually matters – and why I’m watching it

Shift Up’s new game Project Spirits landed on my radar because it’s not just another studio announcement: it’s a UE5, cross‑platform title (mobile, PC, consoles) aimed at a “fantasy oriental” aesthetic, and it’s being published globally by Level Infinite – Tencent’s international publishing arm. For players this could mean a high‑quality, visually ambitious title that’s built to scale worldwide, but Tencent’s involvement also raises familiar questions about monetization, data practices, and regional variations. The release window is 2027, so there’s time – and red flags — to unpack.

• High production values: UE5 + Shift Up pedigree suggests a graphically polished experience.
• Cross‑platform push: mobile + PC + consoles opens the door to true cross‑play if implemented well.
• Tencent publishing = global reach but also monetization expectations and privacy scrutiny.
• Expect ACG aesthetics and female‑centric character design — great for fans, potentially niche for others.

Breaking down the announcement — what we actually know

Shift Up, the Seoul studio that rode Stellar Blade into the spotlight, announced Project Spirits (formerly Project Witches) in a deal where Level Infinite will handle global publishing. Development uses Unreal Engine 5 and includes collaboration with Yongxing Interactive — a studio tied to Tencent — which suggests the game won’t be a small indie side project. Shift Up’s history with anime‑influenced, high‑production titles (see Stellar Blade and their work on Goddess of Victory: Nikke) clues us into the likely aesthetics and systems: tight action, stylized characters, and heavy visual design focus.

Why this partnership matters — and where my skepticism starts

On the upside, Level Infinite brings muscle: global marketing, mature live‑service infrastructure, and experience scaling mobile and PC launches. That spells smoother launches, frequent updates, and the server reliability players expect for live titles. Level Infinite’s role on Nikke is a relevant data point — Shift Up knows how to build games Tencent will publish.

But Tencent’s involvement is also a predictable bellwether for monetization design. Their publishing playbook often leans on long‑running revenue models: battle passes, gacha systems, and content roadmaps designed to keep ARPU high. That’s not inherently bad if the core game is strong, but it’s the primary reason gamers should watch early footage, business model disclosures, and regional rollout details. There are also ongoing concerns around data handling and how feature parity may differ between Western and Asian releases.

What gamers should realistically expect

We don’t have solid gameplay footage yet, so read this as informed speculation. Project Spirits will likely borrow Shift Up’s action sensibilities: technical combat, clear animation priorities, and cinematic presentation. The “fantasy oriental” label and the ACG talent involved point to a strong character focus — think varied, collectible heroes, costumes, and lore‑driven quests.

• Gameplay: action‑RPG or action‑adventure with character skills and possibly party systems.
• Monetization: prepare for live‑service elements — cosmetics, gacha or seasonal passes are plausible.
• Cross‑play: possible but not guaranteed; Level Infinite can enable it, but technical polish will determine success.
• Launch timing: 2027 gives Shift Up time to bake quality; expect betas or soft launches ahead of global release.

Why now — industry context

The move makes sense strategically. Studios that can straddle premium console/PC sensibilities and the money and scale of mobile live‑services are in demand. Shift Up proved it can make a visually impressive single‑player game; partnering with a powerhouse publisher helps turn that craft into a global live title. It’s also a sign of a bigger trend: premium studios pivoting into cross‑platform live games to diversify revenue and audience reach.

What players should do now

• Follow Shift Up and Level Infinite for dev updates, technical requirements, and beta sign‑ups.
• Don’t pre‑order or commit money until you’ve seen monetization details and core loop gameplay.
• If you care about data/privacy, watch regional announcements and any statements about data hosting or account requirements.

Looking ahead — the real takeaway

Project Spirits is one to watch because it brings together a studio with pedigree in high‑end action and a publisher that can scale and monetize aggressively. That combination can produce something great — or something great with a heavy live‑service weight attached. I’m excited by the prospect of a visually ambitious, cross‑platform fantasy from Shift Up; I’m cautious about the inevitable live systems that will shape how the game is played. Keep an eye on gameplay reveals and business model details over the next year — those will decide whether Project Spirits is a win for players or just another polished revenue engine.

TL;DR

Project Spirits looks promising on paper: UE5 visuals, cross‑platform scope, and Shift Up’s aesthetic pedigree. Level Infinite’s backing gets it global but brings predictable live‑service expectations. Be excited, but wait for gameplay and monetization details before you pay or place your hopes.