[Column] "Please Create a Game Like Genshin Impact from China"

"Make a game like Genshin Impact."

On the 29th, a shareholder raised this request at the NCSoft shareholders' meeting. The shareholder asked Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft, "Have you tried Genshin Impact, which recently ranked number one in app market sales?" and requested, "Instead of focusing on short-term revenue like Lineage, please create a game that can receive long-term affection."

Genshin Impact is a game released by China's HoYoverse in September 2020. It belongs to the niche subculture genre and has a relatively simple monetization structure. Like Lineage-type games, it also features gacha mechanics. The difference is that it provides steady enjoyment with a modest monthly subscription fee of 5,900 KRW. During event periods, new characters and rich, movie-like stories immerse players in the game. This is why it has consistently maintained top sales rankings even two years after its release.

Although the structures are similar, Genshin Impact focuses on content, whereas Lineage-type games focus on monetization. Complaints about monetization are not recent. Ten years ago, players tolerated it because the games were fun, but now resistance has grown as the games are no longer enjoyable. As excessive monetization drives away regular users, even so-called "whale" players, nicknamed "Lin-ajeossi" (a blend of Lineage and ajeossi, meaning middle-aged man), have turned away.

However, the domestic game market is still dominated by MMORPGs like Lineage. Seven out of the top ten grossing games on the Google Play Store are MMORPGs. New releases earlier this year are also concentrated in this genre. Although a law requiring disclosure of gacha item information is set to be enforced next year, the market remains homogenized around profitability-focused genres.

NCSoft achieved its highest revenue last year without any new releases. Its dependence on Lineage remains. However, without innovation, future growth is hard to guarantee. This is why the stock price remains sluggish despite good earnings. Even with an upcoming new release, shareholders remain anxious. The year's most anticipated title, "Throne and Liberty (TL)," is even mocked as standing for "The Lineage."

This is not just NCSoft's problem. The world has changed, but they are still being told to eat the same meal. For K-games not to remain stuck in past glories, large game companies with abundant capital and manpower must take on new challenges. It is time for major companies to listen painfully to shareholders' questions and change first.