Home > Business > Guest Reports

NCsoft’s change on display with Throne and Liberty

Published: 25 Oct. 2024, 10:12 Updated: 25 Oct. 2024, 10:14

NCsoft's Research and Development center in Pangyo, Gyeonggi [NCSOFT]

NCsoft will be pleased with the worldwide release of its latest game, Throne and Liberty, after concerns about its appeal in the international market were alleviated with the addition of 4 million global users since its release on Oct. 1.

The favorable start following the title's release with Amazon Games in the Americas, Europe, Oceania and Japan may be indicative of the evolution of NCsoft as a game publisher. The latest title — playable on PC and PlayStation 5 as well as the Xbox Series S and Series X in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese — has appeared to reverse unfavorable sentiment overseas.

NCsoft made changes in line with the preferences of global users that appear to have worked. The company has devoted resources to consistent user communication and feedback-based updates to develop and operate a more user-friendly game. Players of the new MMORPG have also benefited from the change in NCsoft's business model, aiming to lessen the financial burden of participation by transitioning payment for its "Premium Battle Pass” and "Premium Level Pass” from cash to the in-game currency, Lucents. The move was an apparent success with overseas gamers, among whom a negative perception about pay-to-win games is prevalent.

Poster for Throne and Liberty [NCSOFT]

NCsoft is utilizing a "two-track” strategy with both its existing intellectual property (IP) and new IP to expand its domestic and overseas userbase. With a particular focus on diversifying game genres, the publisher is striving to enhance its strengths and overcome its weaknesses to shed its conventional image in exchange for a new and improved look.

In the last quarter of the year, NCsoft is releasing a new title based on the IP of Lineage called Journey of Monarch. With expectations of a differentiated gaming experience from the existing Lineage series, Journey of Monarch had one million preorders within 24 hours. Next year will see the release of Aion 2, one of the publisher's more highly anticipated titles, foreshadowing many more diverse attempts to utilize existing IP.

NCsoft is also looking to shake up the gaming world with an array of shooting games, from the superlative novel title LLL, scheduled for release in 2025, to its collaboration with Moon Rover Games to develop Project Aldous. It is also setting on a path toward new genres, as exemplified by its new subculture game in conjunction with Big Game Studio, Breakers: Unlock the World.

The latest release and scheduled titles are just the beginning of NCsoft's evolution. The successful global launch of Throne and Liberty is an indication that the company can overcome the market's doubts and endear itself worldwide with policies that prioritize consumers, who can expect fast-paced change from the game developer.

BY KIM YEONSOO [[email protected]]

What is “Promoted Content”?

“Promoted Content” articles are written by our staff reporters. They are promoted to some extent by an external company.

Promoted Content is not the same as “Guest Reports,” which are paid advertorials.
Our reporters and editors retain complete editorial independence in the conception and production of Promoted Content.