NCSOFT said on the 6th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for technological cooperation with Microsoft Korea to develop "CINDER CITY."
"CINDER CITY" is a new open-world tactical shooter being developed by NCSOFT's Big Fire Games studio, aiming for release in 2026.
NCSOFT and Microsoft Korea plan to design and implement the game development ecosystem together for the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Through this MOU, the two companies will cooperate in multiple areas during the development of "CINDER CITY," including adopting the Azure cloud platform and Azure OpenAI technologies, and establishing a joint go-to-market strategy using Copilot Studio.
In particular, Microsoft Korea will support practical technological cooperation through technical exchanges with the Big Fire Games development team and participation in preview programs.
Bae Jae-hyun, CEO of Big Fire Games, said, "Microsoft is a partner that brings stability and scalability to game development based on innovative technology," and added, "By leveraging advanced technologies such as Azure and Copilot Studio, we will complete 'CINDER CITY' as a game that can satisfy global users."
Cho Won-woo, CEO of Microsoft Korea, said, "NCSOFT is a global game leader that combines creativity and technological prowess, and we expect this collaboration to open a new horizon for AI-based game development together."
NCSOFT will showcase CINDER CITY as a playable demo at "G-Star 2025," to be held from the 13th to the 16th at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO) in Haeundae District, Busan.