Domestic game developers are launching new games and service updates that have been delayed for a while. In addition to existing mobile-oriented games, PC and console games will be introduced one after another. The domestic game industry plans to break the chain of slump that has continued since last year in the second half of the year. Some games are expected to have a significant impact on performance as there are games that are highly anticipated by users. We look at the new games and update plans of existing games by domestic game companies to estimate the market recovery potential. [편집자주]
[서울와이어 한동현 기자] There are two directions for mobile game development by domestic game developers. It is a multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that utilizes the specifications of smartphones with increased specifications and interworking with PC platforms, and is a casual genre for users who enjoy lightly.
New games from domestic game companies scheduled to be released in the second half of this year also follow these two trends. As mobile games played a major role in increasing the size of the domestic game industry, the industry is very interested in related new works and updates to existing games.
Mobile is also RPG-centered
As smartphone specifications increased, so did the level of mobile RPG games. It is one of the reasons why game companies are focusing on RPG game development because of the easy formation of a profit model (BM). In Korea, Kakao Games’ ‘Odin: Valhalla Rising’ and Pearl Abyss’ ‘Black Desert’ mobile successfully generate profits based on open world.
Odin is a representative work that raised Kakao Games to one of 2K after 3N. A large-scale update was scheduled to mark the one-year anniversary of its release in June of last year. Kakao Games prepares updates focusing on events and user convenience.
Black Desert Mobile focuses on establishing itself in the Chinese market, which has recently entered the Korean market. In future updates, we plan to strengthen PvP content such as new characters and base battles and raise the level of BM. Considering the size of the Chinese market, long-term results can be expected only if it succeeds in establishing itself in the market.
Blizzard is also stepping into the mobile market. ‘Diablo Immortal’ is a mobile reinterpretation of the Diablo series, which started service this month and was successful in the early stages, ranking 9th in domestic game sales. Blizzard, known as a famous PC game company, is developing mobile game production capabilities with Diablo Immortal as a starting point to develop related fields.
‘Summoners War: Chronicle’ using Com2us’ representative IP ‘Summoners War’ is also ahead of its release. This game, which combines a collection type and RPG, collects 350 types of summoned animals and combines attributes according to the purpose of the content to fight. After the domestic release next month, the Play2O (P2O) version is planned to be additionally released globally. It is a way of trading the ownership of user items on the C2X platform.
Wemade’s ‘Mir M: Vanguard and Vagabond’, which will be released on the 23rd, also raises the expectations of mobile RPG users. Wemade focused on lowering the barriers to entry for RPG games. In addition to combat content such as user-to-user combat (PvP), ‘craftsmanship’ was introduced to enhance combat power or contribute to battle.
Com2uS Holdings is targeting the global and domestic markets simultaneously with the strategy RPG game ‘Chromatic Soul AFK’. Com2uS Holdings released the global P2E version in April and then applied the non-P2E version to the domestic market. You can enjoy various contents centering on character growth, and you can grow by supplying items through automatic hunting.
NPixel plans to strengthen its flagship ‘Gran Saga’ service. According to the roadmap announced on the 13th, ▲ new character Ignox ▲ Chapter 11 ‘Heir of Brilliance’ ▲ Kingdom Quest reorganization ▲ Summer seasonal event ▲ New boss, etc. will be introduced sequentially until September. A service foundation that actively reflects existing user feedback will also be established.
Hoyo Bus is expected to present its next work after creating a mobile open world game boom with ‘Wonshin’. Hoyo Bus released the urban fantasy-themed RPG ‘Genless Zone Zero’ and conducted the first closed test (CBT). As Wonshin has been evaluated as the most successful mobile game in history in the global market, it plans to continue its box office success with its next work.
The trend is MZ tailored casual
Along with RPG, the casual genre is also considered a trend in mobile game production. Based on the card collecting game (CCG) rules, the basic method is to match one’s card combinations and play strategically. Since one game is played for less than 20 minutes, many users enjoy it while commuting.
Character development simulation method such as ‘Uma Musume Pretty Derby’ introduced by Kakao Games on the 20th is basic. Uma Musume is a game developed by Cygames in Japan, combining race and character development. It was popular in the local market as a character with a motif of a real race horse, and attracted interest even before its release in Korea.
Ryan Games is also targeting the market with ‘Soul Walker Rush’, which was introduced last month. It is a strategy auto battle game based on the ‘Soul Walker’ IP. Unlike the genre games that are limited to PvP, the feature is that the content has been increased through PvE and Maze systems.
NHN, a famous web board game company, is also busy preparing for a new game. Starting with the global launch of ‘Gun’s Up Mobile’, NHN will release a total of 7 new titles within the year. In the third quarter, ‘Compass Live Arena’ and ‘Double A Poker’ will be introduced, and ‘Darkest Days’ and ‘Slot Marvel’ will be released within the year.
