Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd visited SHIFT UP, the studio behind *Stellar Blade*. On his social media, he shared a commemorative photo with the company’s CEO, Kim Hyun-tae, as well as photos of himself touring the development studio.
There’s also a photo taken in what appears to be a scanning facility. Could this lead to an appearance in their latest title?
The Weeknd reported on the visit via his X and Instagram accounts. “An unforgettable day spent with Kim Hyun-tae at SHIFT UP. Thank you for the warm welcome and inspiration,” he wrote.
The released photos include a two-shot with Kim Hyun-tae, as well as images of him standing in what appears to be a 3D scanning facility, surrounded by multiple cameras and lights. However, it remains unclear whether an actual scan was performed or if that data will be used in the game.
Additionally, according to the South Korean media outletNEWSIS, SHIFT UP explained that The Weeknd actually played *Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN*, which is currently in development. It appears he not only toured the studio but also had the opportunity to get an early hands-on experience with the new title.
*Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN* is the sequel to the action-adventure game *Stellar Blade*, which was released in 2024. Announced in June 2026, it is billed as a story featuring a new protagonist that picks up where the previous game left off.
The Weeknd is a Guinness World Record-holding artist whose hit song “Blinding Lights” became the first track to reach 5 billion streams on Spotify. He also has ties to Japanese games and anime; during his concert in Japan this past September, he showcased a visual collaboration featuring *NieR: Automata* and *Neon Genesis Evangelion*.
It is unclear at this time whether this visit will lead to a collaboration, such as a guest appearance or the provision of music. Still, given that he got to experience the new title currently in development and even released a photo taken in what appears to be a scanning facility, it’s hard not to get excited about what’s to come.
