The MMORPG Throne and Liberty (PC, PS5, Xbox) showcased real gameplay for the first time in 2022, but with a focus on PvP. In a Q&A session regarding the current quarterly report, the conversation also touched on what TL should do to be successful in the West. The answer: high-quality PvE, story content, and action-packed battles.
What kind of game is it? Throne and Liberty is the biggest MMORPG set to release in 2023. It is being developed by NCSoft, who have produced Aion, Blade & Soul, and Lineage. The first gameplay trailer looked particularly strong, featuring massive boss battles, action-packed combat, and cool movement options like climbing, flying, and swimming.
However, the trailer also concerned some players. Because it mainly showcased PvP battles for castles, which are expected to play a central role in the endgame. However, Western players tend to prefer PvE content.
Nevertheless, the developers reassured that their central concept for a successful MMORPG in the West is based on story and PvE content.
You can watch the gameplay trailer again here:
PvE and story are important for console players
What exactly was revealed in the Q&A? The very first question was about the release of Throne and Liberty. It is set to release in 2023 simultaneously for PC and consoles worldwide. The console version is currently being tested in-studio and is in an optimization phase.
Further, it was asked how NCSoft plans to bring a console MMORPG into the mainstream in North America, as console MMORPGs are not a big hit there. The answer:
We have incorporated a lot of narrative content to enhance immersion. This is something entirely different from the MMORPGs we have catered to in the past. I don’t think the MMORPG genre itself is the problem in North America. When high-quality PvE, action, and narrative content come together, MMORPGs can even grow further. In our next announcement, we will prepare for these differences to fully come into play.
NCSoft further explained that too much emphasis had been placed on PvP in the videos so far, which led to a distorted image of the game. In the future, more PvE videos are to be released.
Was there anything new about the payment model? Not concretely. It was only stated that the IPs Throne and Liberty and Lineage should differ so that they do not cannibalize each other.
Lineage relied on a subscription model for a long time, but switched to free-to-play in 2019. The latest installments in the series, which like Lineage 2M are primarily released for mobile devices, are also free-to-play and place a strong emphasis on the shop.
This indicates that Throne and Liberty could potentially be buy-to-play to distinguish itself from that. However, this is not confirmed.
Throne and Liberty focuses on an open world and forgoes classes
What do we know about TL? TL was originally announced as Lineage 3 or Lineage Eternal. However, it was completely overhauled in 2017 to become a “true next-gen MMORPG”.
- There are no classes. Instead, you equip two weapons that determine your play style.
- The combat system will be action-oriented and is roughly reminiscent of Blade & Soul.
- There will be no classic holy trinity.
- The game world is supposed to be completely open.
- You play your character in third-person view, similar to most popular MMORPGs. Initially, an isometric perspective like in Lost Ark was planned.
- The environment will play an important role. Much depends on day, night, or weather. Wind is supposed to affect archers when shooting, and rain will weaken fire attacks.
- Throne and Liberty is also an expensive MMORPG. Due to all the adjustments, it is reported to have cost at least 75 million euros in production already by 2021.
A release is planned for PC and consoles, with no crossplay expected. The game was initially supposed to release in 2022, however, the timing for a global release in the first half of 2023 is considered more favorable. NCSoft is also still looking for the right partner for the West. Rumors suggest that Amazon could become that partner.
What do you think of Throne and Liberty? Are you interested in this new MMORPG? And do you always feel a bit skeptical about Korean games?
NCSoft is also rumored to be working on an MMORPG for Horizon: Zero Dawn. They were asked about this in the call. It is said that they are working with many partners and “soon” an official announcement will come. More on this here:
