It has been known for several years that NCsoft is working on an MMO shooter, which was previously only known as “Project LLL”. Just before the start of the gamescom 2025, the developers have now presented their new AAA game for PC and consoles.
What is new about Project LLL?
- The correct name of the MMO shooter is “Cinder City”.
- The game is being developed by the NCsoft studio “Big Fire Games”. Bae Jae-hyun leads the studio. The experienced developer has already worked in leading positions on MMORPGs such as Lineage 2 and Blade & Soul.
- The MMO shooter is set to be released in 2026 for PC and consoles. It is being created in Unreal Engine 5 and is expected to offer an open world.
- The sci-fi setting takes you to an alternative reality where futuristic technologies from the 23rd century collide with the reality of the 21st century. The setting is a run-down future version of Seoul.
- The shooter gameplay is expected to have a strong tactical emphasis and simulate realistic combat operations.
On the newly launched website cinder-city.com, unfortunately, there are hardly any infos or assets showing the game. However, a crisp technical section about the game was published a few hours ago on nvidia.com. Included is a sharp trailer:
“Cinder City” is said by Nvidia representatives to support DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, DLSS Frame Generation, and DLSS Super Resolution. Additionally, you can activate UE5 technologies like Lumen or enhanced ray tracing effects.
Big Ambitions, Much Skepticism
What else is known about Project LLL? Years ago, NCsoft representatives announced their intention to work on Project LLL. Nearly 3 years ago, they also made it clear that they have big ambitions for the game. They spoke of an AAA title that is supposed to be better than other online shooters like Anthem or The Division.
How does the community react to the new information? Many players are skeptical, mainly due to the responsible company behind “Cinder City” and the graphics engine used.
- EditRemove explains on Reddit: “The network framework of Unreal Engine is suitable for lobby games but is unsuitable for MMOs. No PC upgrade can solve the problem.”
- Tangster85 criticizes NCsoft on Reddit: “NCSoft is a company that I have no expectations of regarding monetization, and yet they manage to disappoint me time and again with their sloppy releases.”
- JoFknLines fears on Reddit something terrible: “No matter how good it may be, NCSoft will find a way to ruin it within a year after release.”
- hallucigenocide hopes on Reddit: “I have been waiting for this. I really want a good MMO shooter. I am so tired of the medieval fantasy drivel that we are constantly fed.”
Since Anthem is repeatedly compared to “Cinder City”: Mark Darrah, a long-time BioWare veteran, spoke in detail some time ago about the development of Anthem and why the AAA blockbuster became one of the biggest flops in video game history. MeinMMO has summarized some of the exciting statements for you here: 8 years later: former lead developer explains why Anthem really flopped: A team trapped “in the world of secrets”
