Domestic MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) are breaking free from a mobile-centric approach, with major titles developed for PC and console (video games) set to be launched in earnest in the second half of the year. New games are expected to be announced one after another, showcasing high-quality graphics using a graphical engine (Unreal Engine 5) with AAA-level (blockbuster-level) visual effects, manual operation, and content focused on story and exploration, instead of the repetitive structures of existing mobile games featuring automatic hunting and pay-to-win models. Competition targeting not only Korea but also global markets such as North America and Europe is intensifying, becoming a key variable that will influence the performance of the gaming industry in the second half of the year.
According to the gaming industry on the 5th, major MMORPG titles developed or published by leading game companies are expected to be released one after another in the second half of the year. Notable titles include ▲ NCSOFT's 'AION 2' ▲ 'Chrono Odyssey,' developed by Chrono Studio and published by Kakao Games ▲ Netmarble's own IP new title 'Vampir' ▲ 'The Starlight,' developed by Game Tales and published by Com2uS ▲ 'Architect: Land of Exile' by DRIMAGE ▲ 'ArcheAge Chronicles,' currently in development by Kakao Games subsidiary XLGAMES.
NCSOFT's 'AION 2' is the official sequel to 'AION,' released in 2008, and it is a highly anticipated work returning after 17 years. It has been designed with a structure focusing on PC development before being ported to mobile, removing the automatic hunting feature and introducing a manual combat system based on precise hit detection, as well as exploration elements that allow for three-dimensional movement such as flying and swimming. With over 200 types of dungeon content prepared, various combat styles are possible ranging from cooperative party boss battles to solo play dungeons. Baek Seung-wook, the chief developer, noted, "We have implemented console-level production and control feel."
Kakao Games is targeting the global gaming market with two major MMORPGs. 'Chrono Odyssey' is a project developed by Chrono Studio and globally published by Kakao Games. The combat system incorporates a concept of time manipulation, adding a dark world view and highly free action and exploration elements, which are said to be its main features according to the company. In global closed beta testing, it received positive feedback for its impact, build system, and storyline composition, and it is set to be released simultaneously on console and PC.
'ArcheAge Chronicles' is a game in development by Kakao Games' subsidiary XLGAMES. While inheriting the world view of its predecessor 'ArcheAge,' it has switched genres from MMORPG to Action RPG, and combat is designed to be exploration-focused without automatic movement. It features a small-scale raid structure for tackling complex boss patterns, along with housing, crafting, and life content included. The goal is to release it simultaneously on console and PC.
Netmarble plans to release its own IP (Intellectual Property) MMORPG 'Vampir' within the year, based on a gothic horror world view. Set against a medieval dark fantasy backdrop, 'Vampir' combines real-time combat with an immersive storyline and is being developed with a cross-platform strategy targeting both console and mobile. It focuses on manual control-based combat and exploration elements rather than automated content, and it is expected to be a key game that will drive the expansion of Netmarble's MMORPG portfolio as a new IP aimed at the global market.
Com2uS plans to release 'The Starlight,' developed by Game Tales, in the third quarter. This game is characterized as a manual control MMORPG that combines retro aesthetics with modern graphics and features well-developed single-player content. DRIMAGE (formerly known as HYBE IM) will also test its self-development and publishing capabilities through its new game 'Architect: Land of Exile,' based on Unreal Engine 5. It has been designed to reflect the diverse preferences of global users by incorporating both automatic and manual operations.
Recently, there has been a rising demand in the gaming market for traditional RPGs based on console and PC that offer direct control and immersive gameplay over automated mobile games. Following the pandemic, the expansion of console distribution and the increase of users prioritizing storytelling have led to a clear trend favoring content centered on high gameplay quality. As a result, domestic game companies find themselves in a position where they must respond to changes in global user preferences while seeking diversification in their long-term revenue structures.
An industry insider stated, "While Korean MMORPGs have formed a distinct market based on high revenue and development experience, designs focused on automation and pay-to-win have fatigued users," adding, "The transition from mobile to console can be seen as a test of whether domestic MMORPGs can expand their reach in the global market."