KakaoGames has unveiled for the first time actual gameplay footage and key systems for its new PC massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) 'ArcheAge S: The Strait of Freedom'.

KakaoGames said on Sept. 29 it introduced the combat, growth and life-content structure and development direction of 'ArcheAge S' through a roughly 17-minute development documentary.

The video features executive producer Kim Kyung-tae (김경태), who oversees the project, key developers and OST music director Yoon Sang (윤상). The developers explained a structure in which growth, combat and life content are linked, based on their development and service experience with the original 'ArcheAge'.

The game is being designed so that choices made during a user's growth process lead to combat and competition, large-scale conflicts and naval battles.

Combat lets users build their own fighting style by combining skills provided based on weapons and armor. The plan is to broaden progression paths through gathering, production and trade as well as field hunting and dungeons, and to improve combat judgment and control convenience by applying a quarter-view perspective.

Life content is also linked to a competitive structure. It provides personal housing space to ease the burden of securing land, and is structured so resources obtained through production and trade are used for character growth and competitive content.

Competitive content will be offered at multiple scales, from party and guild-based battles to large-scale cross-server player-versus-player (PvP). The company plans to change cross-server matchup structures periodically to reduce any one faction's dominance becoming entrenched for a long period.

Following the original game, composer Yoon Sang will serve as OST music director. Yoon introduced in the video the process of producing music suited to the game's atmosphere, including sailing and naval battles.

Along with the video's release, KakaoGames will also hold a user Q&A. It plans to collect questions on development direction and key content, then disclose additional details through follow-up content.

'ArcheAge S' is being led by executive producer Kim, who previously served as the original 'ArcheAge' first planning team leader and a producer. KakaoGames is developing the game with a goal of a global launch in the second quarter next year, and plans to base overseas service on Steam.