[DigitalToday reporter Ho-jung Lee] KakaoGames will seek a turnaround with a two-track strategy of sequentially launching 7 new titles from this year through next year while continuing to operate its existing live games.

The new lineup moves away from a mobile-centered structure by expanding the share of PC and console platforms and global markets. KakaoGames plans to maintain momentum for new releases based on stable revenue from its live games.

◆Seven new titles including MMORPGs and action RPGs to be released sequentially from this year

In the third quarter, 2 new massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are set for release. "Odin Q", in development by Lionheart Studio, is a next-generation MMORPG that expands the universe of "Odin: Valhalla Rising", released in 2021. It highlights Unreal Engine 5-based graphics, a seamless open world and large-scale battle content. With "Odin" now in its fifth year of service and still maintaining a presence in the market, KakaoGames plans to foster "Odin Q" as its next core title.

Around the same time, "Project OQ" (tentative), being developed by Supercat, will also be released. It adopts 2.5D pixel graphics and presents its differentiated visuals from existing MMORPGs as a strength. It recently received positive evaluations in a small-scale focus group test for the completeness of its graphics and world-building implementation. KakaoGames expects the title will be able to attract new demand beyond existing MMORPG users.

As part of genre diversification, "Dungeon Arise" will be released in the second quarter. It is an adventure RPG that supports both mobile and PC and combines hack-and-slash combat and progression with base building. It has set global users as its main target.

"God Save Birmingham", being developed by Ocean Drive Studio, is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter. It is an open-world survival game set in medieval Europe and is drawing attention at home and abroad for a concept that combines a medieval theme with the established formula of zombie survival. The developer has continued communication by submitting the title to the world's largest game show, Gamescom, and reflecting user feedback in Steam developer notes.

Lionheart Studio's "Project C" (tentative) is a new title in the subculture genre that combines character collection and development with strategic turn-based combat. It is being developed with the aim of targeting global subculture fans.

◆Platform expansion beyond mobile to PC, consoles and global markets

KakaoGames is also preparing a lineup of PC and console-based action RPGs as part of expanding its existing mobile-centered business structure. "ArcheAge Chronicle", being developed by XLGAMES, is focusing development with the aim of holding its first global user test in June. It targets the global market with Unreal Engine 5-based graphics, console-level combat presentation and a world based on the "ArcheAge" intellectual property (IP).

"Chrono Odyssey", being developed by Chrono Studio, is being prepared with a target release in the first quarter of next year. It is a AAA-grade action RPG that combines a vast open world with a time manipulation system, and it received positive reactions in a global test last year for the completeness of its combat and exploration. The developer is continuously disclosing progress and improvements to users through developer notes.

◆Maintaining a revenue base with live-game updates

Live games that will support the foundation for new releases also have their own update schedules. Key MMORPGs including "Odin", "Ares: Rise of Guardians" and "ArcheAge War" are maintaining user metrics through steady updates and events. "Ares" marked its 1,000th day of service on the 20th and revealed plans for a large-scale commemorative event and updates.

"Uma Musume Pretty Derby" is approaching its fourth anniversary of service in South Korea in June, raising user expectations for commemorative events and new content.

The action RPG "Path of Exile 2" is scheduled for a new expansion pack update on May 30. As user metrics have been seen to rebound with each expansion release, meaningful results are expected from this update as well.

A KakaoGames official said, "We are focusing on presenting a variety of new titles currently in preparation to users with a high level of completeness." The official added, "We will also do our best to operate existing live services stably and provide users with continued enjoyment."