With Project TL, a new MMORPG by NCSoft is currently in development. New details have now been shared, relating to the costs and the release of the game.
What is Project TL? The new MMORPG is strongly reminiscent of Lost Ark and Diablo. Project TL is intended to be an action game where you fight from an isometric perspective. It is supposed to offer a destructible environment, among other things.
Originally announced as Lineage Eternal and thus as the successor to the successful MMORPG series from Korea. However, due to the poor reviews in the initial tests, the game was completely overhauled. The introduction and the grind were particularly seen as weak.
Since 2018, it has been known as Project TL. However, how exactly it plays is still unknown. Lineage Eternal originally offered the possibility to play multiple heroes and switch between characters using F1 to F4.
Since late 2020, Project TL is said to be in internal testing. You can watch an older trailer from 2018 here:
What’s new? The Korean site ChosunBiz has gathered new details about the game and also asked NCSoft itself. This concerned trademark rights, public tests, and the platforms on which Project TL is expected to be released (via Chosun Biz).
American market has high priority, first tests are to take place in 2021
What information was shared? According to the Korean site, the developer NCSoft has now secured the trademark rights to TL and TL: Origin in America. It is therefore assumed that TL: Origin will also be the name of the MMORPG.
In general, America is said to be an important market for NCSoft, with the global release of Project TL planned. This also fits with the various platforms of the game. The new MMORPG is supposed to be available for PC, but also for the consoles PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, consoles are not as widespread in Korea as in our region.
In the last quarterly report, NCSoft stated that new games should be released for as many platforms as possible, especially for consoles. However, a mobile implementation of Project TL does not currently seem to be an issue.
What do we know about beta and release? The article states that the release is important for NCSoft. Therefore, the first tests with users outside the company are to take place in the second half of 2021, as Jang-wook Lee, head of investor relations at NCSoft, revealed:
We plan a large-scale internal test in the second half of this year. Additionally, it’s important for us to confirm the release schedule quickly.
Jang-wook Lee to Chosun Biz.
Whether these tests will take place only in Korea or worldwide is currently unknown.
There is also not yet a precise release plan. Originally, the release of Project TL was scheduled for 2021. However, based on the current state of the game, this seems unlikely.
How much did the new MMORPG cost NCSoft? Project TL has been in development since 2011, making it nearly 10 years in the works. And that time is said to have come at a significant price.
According to Chosun Biz, the MMORPG is said to have already cost over 100 billion won (equivalent to 74.52 million euros).
What do you think of Project TL? Does the MMORPG generally pique your interest, or are you more excited about Lost Ark or Diablo 4?
For us at MeinMMO, Project TL is one of the most promising MMORPGs in development. You can find out about other games to look forward to here: The 8 most promising new MMOs and MMORPGs for 2021.
