Netmarble is launching its new multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) 'Soul: Enchant' as part of an experiment in user-driven game management.
According to the gaming industry, Netmarble officially began service for 'Soul: Enchant' at noon on June 18. The game is set in a world inspired by deities.
With 'Soul: Enchant,' Netmarble is attempting to innovate its MMORPG management and game release strategies. Unlike its recent focus on internally developed titles, the company is now publishing a game developed by an external studio and has introduced a system that incorporates user feedback into the management process.
The game management approach has also been updated. 'Soul: Enchant' features a 'Divine Rights' system that allows user input to influence server operations, major content releases, and update decisions. This expansion of user participation into the operational phase distinguishes it from traditional MMORPGs.
Before the launch, Netmarble allowed users to vote on the server opening time and the first update class, showcasing this system to gauge user reactions. While content updates and server management are typically determined by developers, 'Soul: Enchant' aims to systematically integrate user opinions into its operations.
In recent years, Netmarble has focused on developing and releasing new titles from its internal studios, but with 'Soul: Enchant,' it is venturing into publishing games from external developers. Alt Nine, the studio behind 'Soul: Enchant,' is a new developer founded by key members of the successful mobile MMORPG 'Lineage M,' drawing attention in the industry.
Netmarble is also showcasing a variety of new titles across genres, including casual, collectible RPGs, and action games, while maintaining its commitment to MMORPG development with 'Soul: Enchant.' Despite the high development costs and operational burdens associated with MMORPGs, they can significantly contribute to long-term revenue if successful. Thus, Netmarble is seen as balancing the development of various genres while keeping MMORPGs as a core focus for performance recovery and market presence.
A Netmarble representative stated, "Among the five titles released in the first half of this year, 'Soul: Enchant' is the only MMORPG. This can be viewed as a continuation of our efforts to release new MMORPGs in the first and second halves of last year."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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