The domestic gaming industry is ramping up new releases and major updates for the summer season. This strategy aims to capitalize on the peak vacation period coinciding with school breaks.
According to industry sources on July 5, companies such as Nexon, Netmarble, Com2uS Holdings, and Devsisters have begun launching new titles and opening pre-registrations. The offerings range from large-scale multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) to collectible and idle role-playing games (RPGs), as well as subculture genres.
Summer is traditionally a peak season for gaming, with increased playtime. It is a prime opportunity for attracting new users while encouraging existing players to return, prompting major gaming companies to release new titles and initiate pre-registrations at the start of the season.
Com2uS Holdings launched its mobile collectible RPG 'Star Sailor' globally on June 30. The game features fairy-tale fantasy graphics and turn-based combat, emphasizing strategic combinations of five-member parties, summons, and equipment.
Devsisters began global pre-registration for its new idle RPG 'Cookie Run: Crumble' on June 29. This title expands on the Cookie Run intellectual property (IP) by combining elements from the social RPG 'Cookie Run: Kingdom' and the puzzle adventure 'Cookie Run: Witch's Castle.' Devsisters aims to challenge the idle RPG genre with 'Cookie Run: Crumble' while continuing to expand the Cookie Run IP.
Netmarble officially launched its new MMORPG 'Soul: Enchant' in South Korea on June 18. The game introduces a 'Divine Authority' system that incorporates user feedback into server operations, content decisions, and updates, setting it apart from competitors.
Nexon has started pre-registration for its 3D collectible RPG 'Higan: Irushil,' which will be the first title released under its new publishing brand 'Select All.'
The competition for updates to existing titles is also fierce. During the summer season, updates featuring new characters, limited-time events, new servers, and seasonal content often lead to a rebound in app market revenue rankings.
Shift Up's 'Goddess of Victory: Nikke' has seen a surge in revenue, ranking first in the South Korean Apple App Store and second in Japan and Taiwan following an update that began on July 2. The introduction of a new character with a swimsuit concept, a fully voiced story event, mini-games, and special animation previews have drawn positive responses from users.
Netmarble plans to open a new server, 'New World,' for its MMORPG 'Asdal Chronicle' on July 14. This new server aims to change gameplay dynamics and attract new users while encouraging existing players to return. All growth elements in the new server can be acquired through gameplay and farming, and it notably lacks four types of paid summon draws. The server will operate without separate paid package products, focusing instead on pass-based offerings.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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