Netmarble is gearing up to launch its mobile idle RPG, StoneAge Idle Adventure, worldwide on , the company announced . The game, developed by Netmarble N2, represents a modern reimagining of the long-running StoneAge franchise, which has attracted over 200 million players globally since its original debut in 1999.
The original StoneAge series distinguished itself with accessible gameplay centered around capturing and raising pets – often dinosaurs – and intuitive controls. StoneAge Idle Adventure aims to recapture that spirit for mobile audiences, emphasizing progression, competition, and cooperative gameplay. The “idle” designation indicates a gameplay loop where character progression continues even when the player is not actively engaged, a popular mechanic in mobile RPGs.
The core gameplay revolves around assembling strategic decks comprised of up to six Trainers and 18 Pets, allowing for a total of 24 units in battle. This system allows for a significant degree of customization and strategic depth. Notably, fan-favorite pets from the original StoneAge games, including Mogaros, Veldor, and Yangidon, will return, retaining their distinctive characteristics but with updated visuals tailored for mobile platforms.
Beyond the core pet-collecting and battling mechanics, StoneAge Idle Adventure offers a variety of competitive and cooperative game modes. “Advent Battle” is described as a large-scale raid where numerous pets participate in combat simultaneously. “Sky Tower” is a ranking competition, while “Aquafarm” introduces a real-time resource-stealing element. Finally, “Mecha Pet Hunt” encourages cooperative play, tasking players with repelling invasions as a team.
Netmarble is currently running a global pre-registration campaign for the game on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Players who pre-register will receive the rideable pet “Khaki” as a reward. Additional pre-registration bonuses include a “Clan Welcome Pouch” containing in-game currencies, designed to help new players get started.
The StoneAge IP’s enduring appeal stems from its blend of RPG elements and social features. The original game’s success in markets like South Korea, China, and Taiwan highlights its broad accessibility. Netmarble’s decision to revive the franchise with an idle RPG suggests an understanding of current mobile gaming trends, where convenient, low-commitment gameplay loops are highly valued.
The idle RPG genre has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the demand for games that can be enjoyed in short bursts and offer consistent progression. StoneAge Idle Adventure’s success will likely depend on its ability to balance the nostalgia of the original StoneAge with the demands of the modern mobile gaming landscape. The strategic deck-building component, with its potential for complex team compositions, could provide a layer of depth that differentiates it from other idle RPGs.
Netmarble, a major player in the mobile gaming market, has a diverse portfolio of titles including Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, and MARVEL Future Fight. The company’s ownership of Kabam, SpinX Games, and Jam City, along with its significant stake in HYBE and NCSOFT, positions it as a major force in the global gaming industry. The launch of StoneAge Idle Adventure represents another step in Netmarble’s strategy of leveraging established intellectual property to create engaging mobile gaming experiences.
The game’s soft launch in select regions allowed Netmarble N2 to refine the gameplay based on user feedback, a common practice in the mobile gaming industry. This iterative development process is crucial for ensuring a polished and engaging experience upon global release. The inclusion of both competitive and cooperative modes suggests Netmarble is aiming to foster a strong community around the game, encouraging long-term player engagement.
Further information about StoneAge Idle Adventure is available on the official website.
