NCSOFT's new MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) Aion 2 topped both the Korea Google Play store and Apple App Store immediately after its official launch on the 19th. Given the recent years of lackluster new releases and users' distrust toward the company, simultaneously taking the top spot in both app markets is seen as an exceptional achievement. Launched at the same time in Taiwan, it also started strong, ranking No. 1 on the Apple App Store and No. 3 on Google.
According to the industry on the 19th, Aion 2 saw users flood in as it officially opened at midnight that day, creating login queues on most of its 20 servers. Among them, six key servers quickly hit population caps, blocking character creation. NCSOFT had said that last month's "server and character name reservation event" closed early due to strong user participation. The company immediately expanded server capacity and, starting on the 16th, opened pre-downloads and character creation to absorb early users. This momentum was also evident at G-Star 2025 last week. At the 300-booth standalone demo zone set up at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO), lines formed with wait times exceeding four hours right after opening, proving the anticipation for the first numbered sequel in 14 years.
Aion 2 retains the original's symbolic "Elyos-Asmodian conflict" and "eight classes," while rebuilding graphics, combat, and traversal systems from the ground up. Its Unreal Engine 5-based graphics, after-the-fact hit detection action combat, detailed customization, and extensive PvE content are earning praise among users. In particular, as NCSOFT said it would break from the existing "Lineage-style BM (monetization model)" and adopt a membership- and battle pass-centered model, the fact that the early monetization structure is being maintained to a certain extent is also seen as a positive signal. Streamers are also reacting favorably, giving high marks to combat, impact feel, and motion quality.
However, because MMORPGs are ultimately judged by post-max-level content and long-term operational stability, user evaluations are mixed. In user communities, opinions range widely from "It's plenty fun at the start" and "It's enjoyable with a monthly hobby expense of about 100,000–200,000 won" to "The UI leans too much into a mobile vibe" and "Fully manual combat is burdensome for office workers." Some users, citing the inclusion of collection elements that stack character stats, also voiced caution that "the early monetization structure is fine, but we need to see how it unfolds in the long term."
An NCSOFT official said, "The monetization structure controversy raised by some is not at odds with our existing policy of not directly selling in-game performance currency," adding, "The items in question are components included as a service in a currency package purchasable only once per month, and there is no system to enhance performance through repeat purchases."
On Aion 2's launch day, NCSOFT shares slumped sharply from early trading. As of 3 p.m. on the 19th, NCSOFT was trading at 193,900 won on the Korea Exchange, down 13.63% from the previous session. Analysts said the expectation for Aion 2 had already been largely priced in, and profit-taking that often follows major releases compounded the drop. The market views initial results—such as app store rankings, early traffic, and user metrics on the day—as key variables that will drive the short-term share price trend.
An NCSOFT official said, "The steep stock adjustment on the first day of launch reflects a pattern of profit-taking seen with recent major game releases, along with overall market investor sentiment," adding, "With No. 1 on both app markets, a top-tier entry in Taiwan, and No. 1 in viewers and streamers on streaming platforms, initial user metrics are the most positive among our recent launches, and service indicators alone are proving far more solid than concerns."
Brokerages are also eyeing the possibility that NCSOFT could regain a growth momentum through Aion 2. Korea Investment & Securities said, "With fewer MMORPG releases, pent-up demand for blockbusters has accumulated, and Aion 2 has the potential to absorb it." Next year, three new titles—Shin the City, Time Takers, and Breakers—will be released, along with four games based on existing IPs. Global service expansion is expected to continue, including the launches of Lineage M and Lineage 2M in China and the expansion of Lineage W into Southeast Asia, North America, and Russia. Aion 2 is also slated for a global release in the second quarter next year, so its annual earnings contribution is likely to grow.
A game industry official said, "While the post-launch performance metrics have been confirmed, shifting user perceptions will hinge on operational transparency, BM consistency, and medium- to long-term content supply," adding, "Ultimately, whether the monetization model and trust in operations are restored will be the key variables deciding long-term success or failure."