Shift Up Acquires Unbound, the New Studio Founded by Shinji Mikami

In a significant move, South Korean game developer Shift Up has acquired Unbound, a studio recently founded by renowned game developer Shinji Mikami. This acquisition is expected to bolster Shift Up's capabilities in publishing games globally for PC and consoles, thanks to Unbound's upcoming projects. In a video announcement, Mikami revealed that Unbound is working on a substantial game with the aim of creating something truly exceptional. He expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that he has never seen his vision and ideals align so closely with another company. Mikami looks forward to being fully involved in the development of this large-scale game. The acquisition will enable Shift Up to publish Unbound's titles and assist the studio in developing its global service capabilities. Shift Up's CEO, Hyung-Tae Kim, welcomed the partnership, highlighting the potential for delivering top-notch gaming experiences worldwide and enhancing the company's global competitiveness. Mikami also expressed his pleasure in partnering with Kim, citing a strong synergy between them as creators. He believes this partnership will allow both companies to focus on creativity and work together to meet the expectations of their fans. Reports of Mikami's new studio emerged last month, although Unbound's website has been operational for some time. Founded in 2022, Unbound began its operations in 2023. Previously, Mikami established another studio, Kamuy, in 2024, following his departure from Tango Gameworks in February 2023.