Netmarble, Kakao Games, Com2uS and Smilegate plan to launch new massively multiplayer online role-playing games in the second half. Their four titles aim to address structural constraints in the genre through different approaches, including handing operating authority to users, directly inheriting a proven intellectual property, differentiating myth-based worldbuilding and reducing the burden of logging in. With launches clustered in the same period, the market will test which approach works in live service.

Netmarble will launch its new MMORPG “Sol: Enchant” on April 24, drawing attention for openly acknowledging features often downplayed in the genre, including gacha, a marketplace, collections and auto-hunting, as well as the possibility of cash-like user trading. The game introduces a three-tier “divine authority” system that grants players operational powers up to selecting updates and business models. It also builds an economy where paid items can be traded, while developers outline controls against abuse.