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110,000 mixed Steam reviews later, Nexon bluntly puts The First Descendant in the "did not work" category:…
Nexon has openly acknowledged that The First Descendant, a third-person looter shooter released in June 2024, has failed to retain players despite a strong launch. President and CEO Junghun Lee stated that the game's issues are design-related and require structural changes rather than simple patches, indicating a significant underperformance.
Arc Raiders boss promoted to Nexon chief backs AI push for "redesigning game development" after building a hit…
Nexon executive chairman Patrick Söderlund, who also leads Embark Studios, believes AI will fundamentally redesign game development. He emphasizes that understanding the context and applying AI strategically, rather than just investing in tools, will determine success. Nexon aims to leverage its extensive experience with live service games like MapleStory to implement AI effectively through its 'Mono Lake' initiative, which is intended to increase efficiency and free up developers for more creative tasks.
'More time innovating; less time writing code:' Arc Raiders publisher Nexon believes AI will liberate its workforce
Nexon is implementing an AI-driven initiative called 'Mono Lake' across its development and live service operations to enhance decision-making and free up developers for more creative tasks. CEO Junghun Lee stated the platform leverages decades of game data to provide context, while Executive Chairman Patrick Söderlund aims to foster smarter workflows and fewer, more impactful bets.
The First Berserker: Khazan Celebrates 1st Anniversary With In-Game Armour | Console Creatures
The First Berserker: Khazan is celebrating its first anniversary with a special in-game event. Players will receive a 1st Anniversary armor and weapon set as a thank you for their support. Creative Director Junho Lee expressed gratitude and hinted at future content, while the game's review highlighted its thrilling combat and challenging bosses.
Arc Raiders Boss Comments On Controversial Use Of AI In Gaming
Patrick Soderlund, executive chairman of Nexon and co-founder of Embark Studios, discussed the company's controversial use of AI in game development, particularly for Arc Raiders. He stated that while AI tools are widely available, understanding how to implement them effectively is key to success, leading to significantly reduced development costs for games like Arc Raiders and The Finals. Embark has faced criticism for its AI-generated voice lines, leading to some re-recordings by human actors.
ARC Raiders’ Flashpoint update arrives with a new map, enemies, and weapons
Nexon and Embark Studios have released the Flashpoint Update for ARC Raiders, introducing a new map called Close Scrutiny, new enemies like the Vaporizer and Shredder, and new weapons including the Dolabra energy shotgun and Canto submachine gun. The update also streamlines the game's crafting system to improve accessibility.
Overwatch: Undivided is the latest way Blizzard is investing into storytelling outside of the game with new content partnership
Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with WEBTOON to launch a new webcomic series titled Overwatch: Undivided, expanding the narrative of the hero shooter outside of the game. This initiative is part of Blizzard's broader strategy to deepen the lore and storytelling within the Overwatch universe. The first episode of the webcomic is available on WEBTOON, with subsequent episodes requiring a Fast Pass subscription.
Report: Series Entertainment-owned mobile studio Pixelberry lays off staff
Pixelberry Studios, a mobile game developer owned by Series Entertainment and known for the game Choices, has reportedly laid off an unknown number of employees. This follows a previous round of layoffs in January 2024. The studio's acquisition by Series Entertainment involved integrating their AI-native Rho engine, a development that has been met with developer concern regarding generative AI's impact on the industry.
The First Berserker: Khazan Marks One Year With Anniversary Stats, Awards, and a Message From the Team
Nexon and Neople are celebrating the first anniversary of The First Berserker: Khazan by sharing player statistics, highlighting awards received, and releasing a message from Creative Director Junho Lee. The hardcore action RPG has achieved significant player engagement, with 40% reaching the ending and over 273 million player deaths recorded. The developers have confirmed ongoing support and content updates for the game.
The First Berserker: Khazan celebrates first anniversary with player stats and message from creative director
Publisher Nexon and developer Neople released player statistics and a message from creative director Junho Lee to celebrate the first anniversary of the action RPG The First Berserker: Khazan. The game has seen over 273 million total deaths worldwide, with Viper being the most fatal boss on Expert difficulty. Lee expressed gratitude to the community and promised more content for the game.
'We want more for them': Arc Raiders' lead dev reassures players that balance and end-game content are a…
Embark Studios' production director Caio Braga addressed player concerns regarding Arc Raiders' balance and lack of endgame content. He acknowledged the challenges of balancing PvE and PvP elements and stated the team is focused on delivering impactful updates and more engaging endgame experiences for players.
The First Berserker: Khazan Studio Reveals Player Stats to Celebrate First Anniversary
Neople and Nexon are celebrating the first anniversary of The First Berserker: Khazan by releasing player statistics. Creative director Junho Lee revealed that 35 percent of players finished the game on Normal difficulty and shared data on boss deaths, player deaths, preferred weapons, and fastest clear times. A commemorative armor and weapon set, the Immortal Fury Set, will be available to all purchasers.
ARC Raiders Developer Wants Players That Have Done Everything Else to “Have More to Do”
Embark Studios production director Caio Braga discussed challenges in keeping players engaged with ARC Raiders, particularly those who have completed existing content. The studio is focusing on impactful updates, game balance, and introducing new challenges to retain players. Nexon also promoted CEO Patrick Söderlund to executive chairman.
MapleStory Classic World Closed Online Test Set for April Following Los Angeles PC Cafe Event
Nexon is preparing for the closed online test of MapleStory Classic World in April, following a hands-on preview event held at a Los Angeles PC cafe. The event generated enthusiasm among players, highlighting the game's appeal to both current and returning fans of the classic MMO experience. Registration for the closed test, running from April 16 to April 23, is currently open.
NAKWON: LAST PARADISE Closed Alpha Test Brings Together Over 275K Survivors
The Closed Alpha Test for Nexon's multiplayer zombie survival game NAKWON: LAST PARADISE saw over 275,000 players worldwide, who eliminated over 32 million infected and performed 1.8 million extractions. A significant portion of players from the pre-alpha test returned for this closed alpha. The article also briefly mentions updates for MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE, MotoGP 26, PAYDAY: Aces High, and the availability of a demo for Escape the Baby Alarm.
‘K-Zombie’ NAKWON: LAST PARADISE Brings in over 275,000 Survivors in Deadliest Alpha Test Yet
NAKWON: LAST PARADISE's latest Closed Alpha Test attracted over 275,000 players globally, highlighting the game's K-Zombie PvPvE survival mechanics. The test generated impressive statistics, including over 32 million infected eliminated and nearly 1.9 million successful extractions, underscoring the game's high-tension tactical gameplay and risk-reward loop.
Top 12 Most Expensive Video Game Buyouts Of All Time
This article lists the top 12 most expensive video game buyouts, with Microsoft's $75.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard topping the list. Other major deals include EA's $55 billion sale to an investor consortium and Take-Two's $12.7 billion purchase of Zynga. The analysis highlights trends of industry consolidation and significant investment from entities like Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest celebrates 27 years and a lawsuit settlement in its favor
EverQuest celebrated its 27th anniversary with a lawsuit settlement that favors Daybreak Game Company, keeping emulators offline. This week also saw layoffs at Amazon for Lost Ark developers, Facebook scaling back VR metaverse ambitions, and discussions around various MMORPG updates and industry trends.
Mabinogi celebrates its 18th anniversary with events and rewards
Mabinogi is celebrating its 18th anniversary with a variety of in-game events, quests, and rewards, concluding on April 9th. Nexon shared statistics highlighting the game's longevity, including over 13 million rebirths and 15 million auction house items sold since its launch in March 2008.
Mobile MMO MapleStory M’s arrival to Steam is met with a wave of monetization complaints from players
MapleStory M has launched on Steam, but its arrival has been met with significant player backlash regarding its monetization practices. Despite the addition of new content and features, many players are criticizing the game as pay-to-win and overmonetized, with some also citing it as a poor port.