ArcheAge 2 to Complete Development in 2H 2024, Says Kakao
Kakao Games, the South Korean publisher, revealed new ArcheAge 2 information during its Q2 2023 earnings call. To begin with, Kakao clarified that the game is expected to 'complete development in the second half of 2024'. Whether that means the game will launch in that timeframe or shortly after remains unclear.
The full quote (transcribed by Ruliweb) says the release date and more information on game content will be unveiled at 'game shows' next year, likely E3, Gamescom, or even South Korea's own G-Star. The question of the Western launch is also still open, although Kakao says ArcheAge 2 is expected to achieve strong results in Western countries. This may indicate a simultaneous launch or at least a far shorter delay compared to the year and a half that passed between the home release and the Western release of ArcheAge. Another factor that points to the importance of the Western launch for this sequel is the simultaneous development of the PC and console releases. Consoles are notoriously less popular in South Korea, so the main reason to launch the game at the same time as the PC version is to do so on the global market.
Other than that, Kakao said ArcheAge 2 will have a greater focus on the single player storyline compared to the first installment, although of course there will still be many multiplayer activities, including 'guild-level' trade.
Based on Unreal 5, it is an MMORPG that shares the existing worldview, including open world, and emphasizes single play. We plan to provide a variety of lifestyle content that can be enjoyed in the open field, and we intend to improve trade to activate guild-level trade. We want to increase the number of users in the single-centered story development. As ArcheAge has been serviced in the meantime, it has a strong fan base in Western countries such as Russia, so it is expected to achieve results in the global market. In addition, we are concentrating on improving the level of completion by simultaneously developing PC and console. It has not been confirmed yet, but we are planning to reveal the release and game contents at the game show next year.
ArcheAge 2 was unveiled last September when developer XLGames revealed that it would be powered by Unreal Engine 5 technology. Two months later, fans were treated to a gorgeous trailer that provided a glimpse at the action-based combat available in this sequel, a new feature compared to the original title's tab-target combat.
Kakao Games also talked about other games it will publish. Ocean Drive Studio (Lost Eidolons, Blackout Protocol) is working on a game based on the dark fantasy novel Swordmaster's Youngest Son; Lionheart Studio (Odin: Valhalla Rising) is developing a looter shooter game; Frost Giant Studio is working on a real-time strategy title, and Playable Worlds is working on a sandbox MMORPG.
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