Lost Ark
| Release | Open Beta since November 2018 in Korea, no release date for the West yet |
| Features | Action MMORPG, isometric view |
| Model | Free2Play |
What is Lost Ark? The online game is a classic MMORPG that mixes action-packed combat from an isometric view with quests, exploration, and team play.
How is the MMORPG doing? The open beta that started last year was very well received by players. There are no exact player numbers since the beta started only in Korea, but the community appears to be enthusiastic.
What has changed in the game? Although the developers regularly publish patches that address the core gameplay, new content will not be available until after the official release. A contract for a release in Russia has already been signed over a release in Russia.
What is coming next? After the open beta, the official release is upcoming. This is expected to occur in spring 2019. When Lost Ark will release in other regions is currently unknown, but it should happen after the release in Russia, which should come soon.
MapleStory 2
| Release | October 4, 2018 |
| Features | Themepark with sandbox elements, PvE, group play, anime |
| Model | Free2Play |
What is MapleStory 2? The themepark MMORPG focuses on quests that you experience together with friends in a colorful anime world. Additionally, you have many freedoms to build entire cities and participate in mini-games.
How is the MMORPG doing? The initial excitement around MapleStory 2 has significantly waned. On Steamcharts, it is evident that from over 20,000 concurrent players at launch, only about 1,300 remain. This is partly due to the heavy grinding and a bot problem that plagues the game.
What has changed in the game? With Skybound, a major expansion was released at the beginning of the year, bringing the new class Soul Binder, a raid, and the continuation of the story. Additionally, the team implemented a lot of player feedback, including the removal of the Fairfight system.
What is coming next? The developers have started the “New Leaf” project, through which player feedback will be collected, reviewed, and possibly implemented. This will turn MapleStory 2 into a game that fans can actively shape. Furthermore, the next major expansion is planned for summer.
