In the MMORPG Lost Ark, we are slowly approaching the finish line. It will likely be decided in September 2018 whether and when we will see the Diablo-like MMORPG in Europe. The chances for an EU release have increased.
Decision in September: The developer Smilegate announced that they will hold a media conference on September 17. There, they will discuss what the launch plans for Lost Ark will look like.
The beta phases are now complete. It will go into release.
When is it coming? Lost Ark is expected to be released still in 2018. However, there are currently only secure plans for a release in its home country, South Korea.
China might drop as a market: Actually, Smilegate negotiated a publishing deal for China back in 2015. But now the Chinese government is putting a stop to that.
To protect the youth, China intends to massively restrict the use of electronic devices. In China, computers and smartphones are mainly for learning, not for playing.
Currently, no foreign games are being approved in China. Even the Chinese giant Tencent could not release “Monster Hunter World” in China and had to withdraw it at great expense.
Lost Ark had also closed its deal with Tencent.
Is Europe and the USA now more interesting? This development could make Europe and North America more interesting as a market. Lost Ark has already announced its intention to enter the global market.
If China really closes off, it could mean that a port of Lost Ark for Europe and North America has now become more attractive.
When will we learn more? On September 17, we should receive answers to our questions about whether and when we can play Lost Ark in Europe.
Why all the fuss about Lost Ark? The game has been the most exciting MMORPG in development for many fans for years. For us in Europe, “Lost Ark” looks like Diablo from an isometric perspective. However, it is supposed to be a fully-fledged action MMORPG.
Lost Ark is not too late: For us Westerners, it feels like Lost Ark is arriving years too late. A trailer was already shown in 2014 that looked great. But Lost Ark is progressing at a normal development pace. Korean games often produce a great-looking trailer early on, even if the game itself is still years away.
