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Following Feedback 'The First Descendant' Adds Onslaught Mode Beta, Viessa Balance Update in April 16 Patch
Nexon is releasing a major update for The First Descendant on April 16, introducing a limited-time beta for the new endgame activity, Onslaught Mode, alongside balance adjustments for characters like Viessa and Harris. The patch also includes new modules, weapon updates, and various in-game events, with Onslaught Mode's full release planned for May 21. This update aims to address player feedback and expand endgame content following internal assessments of retention issues.
MMO Week in Review: EQ Legends’ beta, Ashes of Creation’s drama
This week's MMO news roundup covers the upcoming closed beta for EverQuest Legends and ongoing legal drama surrounding Ashes of Creation. Several other titles like AdventureQuest Worlds Infinity, Dune Awakening, and Temtem Pioneers also saw significant updates or funding news.
Former Perfect Dark Design Director is Now Working on Blizzard’s StarCraft Shooter – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Drew Murray, former design director for Perfect Dark at The Initiative, is now working at Blizzard Entertainment on a rumored StarCraft shooter. Murray's LinkedIn confirms his employment at Blizzard as an associate design director. The project is reportedly in early development and may utilize Unreal Engine.
Five studios form developer-led holding Nova Assembly
Nexon subsidiary Neople has reassigned staff from the development team of its AAA action-adventure game, First Berserker: Kazan, due to poor performance. The game was initially unveiled in March.
The First Berserker: Khazan studio Neople announces restructure of dev teams
Nexon subsidiary Neople has reorganized its development teams as The First Berserker: Khazan enters its final development stages. The company clarified that this is a strategic reallocation of talent to support current and upcoming projects, including the Dungeon & Fighter franchise, and not a workforce reduction. This restructuring comes amid reports of delayed sales impacting the game's performance.
Nexon confirms reorganizaton at The First Berserker: Khazan developer but says it's merely 'a strategic reallocation of talent' as development winds down
Nexon has confirmed a reorganization within the development team for The First Berserker: Khazan at its subsidiary Neople. The company states this is a strategic reallocation of talent to optimize resource allocation across ongoing projects, rather than a reflection of the game's performance, which has received a 'very positive' rating on Steam despite reports of sales not meeting expectations.
The First Berserker: Khazan Studio Restructuring is “Unrelated to Workforce Reduction,” Says Nexkon
Nexon has stated that the restructuring of Neople, the developer of The First Berserker: Khazan, is a planned reallocation of talent and not related to workforce reduction. The company aims to better utilize resources for current and future projects, including live service operations. Despite missing sales targets, Nexon considers the game a strategic first step in introducing the Dungeon & Fighter IP globally.
The First Berserker Khazan dev restructure "not related to workforce reduction or team dissolution," Nexon says: "We're proud of the game's creative direction and the positive response"
Nexon has stated that the restructuring of The First Berserker: Khazan developer Neople is a planned reallocation of talent, not a workforce reduction or team dissolution. Despite reports of weak sales leading to the reassignment of staff, Nexon expressed pride in the game's creative direction and positive fan response. The company did not comment on the future of the Khazan IP, suggesting that its combat mechanics might influence future Nexon action RPGs.
The Team Behind Beloved Action RPG The First Berserker: Khazan No Longer Exists
Nexon has reportedly disbanded the development team behind the action RPG The First Berserker: Khazan, moving staff to other projects within the publisher. While the game did not meet sales expectations, Nexon considers it a success for establishing the Dungeon & Fighter series in Western markets. The future of the game and any potential follow-ups remain uncertain.
"Fantasy-style GTA" open-world game reportedly canceled after 2 years of work at Nexon
Nexon has reportedly canceled its unannounced open-world fantasy game, codenamed Project EL, after approximately two years of development. The game was described as a "fantasy-style GTA" and was being developed by a team led by director Shim Ki-hoon. This cancellation comes shortly after Patrick Söderlund was appointed as Nexon's executive chairman.
The First Berserker: Khazan Development Team 'Reassigned' Amid Reports of Sales Falling 'Short of Market Expectations'
Nexon has reportedly reassigned a significant portion of the development team for The First Berserker: Khazan, an action RPG within the Dungeon Fighter Online universe. This decision comes a year after the game's release, with reports suggesting sales have fallen short of market expectations.
State of Play Potentially Happening on April 16, Possibly “Third-Party Focused” – Rumor
Insider NateTheHate suggests a State of Play event may occur on April 16th, potentially focusing on third-party titles rather than first-party games like Marvel's Wolverine. While his track record is strong, this information is unconfirmed. The article also briefly mentions other unrelated game news.
Despite good reviews, The First Berserker Khazan development team reportedly dissolved over disappointing sales just…
The development team behind the action RPG The First Berserker: Khazan has reportedly been dissolved and its members reassigned by parent company Nexon due to disappointing sales. Despite receiving good reviews at launch, the game failed to meet sales targets, with complications in its China release also cited as a factor. Nexon stated that personnel have been moved to other projects, though the future of The First Berserker: Khazan itself remains uncertain.
Blue Archive Adds Winter Sky’s Renaissance Update With New Story and Student Recruitments
Blue Archive has launched its "Winter Sky’s Renaissance: Thesis on Cultural Exchange" update, introducing new story content, student recruitments, and gameplay additions. The update features Takane and Yakumo from Red Winter Federal Academy, with a pick-up recruitment event available until April 20. The game is available for free on PC via Steam, iOS, and Android.
The First Berserker: Khazan Publisher Reassigns Most of Its Team After Underwhelming Sales
Following underwhelming sales for The First Berserker: Khazan, its developer Neople has reassigned approximately 100 developers to other projects within parent company Nexon. While the "large-scale Khazan project" is considered in its final stages with a smaller team to handle remaining tasks, the decision stems from the game not meeting financial expectations. This likely means no future DLC or ports to platforms like the Nintendo Switch.
"Video games are cooked": Publisher head says "it doesn't matter" how many of us hate gen AI, Pandora's box has opened and "it's gonna get used now"
Mike Rose, founder of No More Robots, believes generative AI's integration into game development is irreversible, likening it to Pandora's box. He notes the increasing prevalence of AI-generated assets in game demos and the competitive pressure it creates for publishers. Despite player backlash, Rose asserts that the ease of AI tools will lead to their widespread adoption, fundamentally changing how games are made.
Blizzard explains visual updates to Overwatch's Anran
Overwatch game director Aaron Keller addressed community and voice actor feedback regarding the visual design of the new character Anran. Following backlash over her initial appearance, Blizzard is implementing updates to make her visuals more aligned with her described personality as a confident and fierce leader, moving away from a perceived 'baby face' look. The changes, set to go live on April 14, focus on her eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and posture.
Report: Take-Two lays off the head of AI and multiple team members
Take-Two Interactive has reportedly laid off the head of its AI division and multiple team members. In separate news, Nexon has partnered with Blizzard Entertainment to publish Overwatch in South Korea, with services tailored for the region.
Nexon agrees to publish Overwatch in Korea
Nexon has agreed to publish Blizzard Entertainment's Overwatch in Korea. The companies are collaborating to provide services specifically tailored for the Korean market, with PC being the primary platform.
Nexon agrees to publish Overwatch in Korea
Nexon has agreed to publish Overwatch in Korea, taking over from Blizzard Entertainment. The article also discusses Sony's past strategies regarding remasters and remakes, questioning their current business decisions and leadership changes.
