[Dalgeums] 'Tekken' Master Medical Student Becomes Shadow Arena Developer

Kwangsam Kim, Pearl Abyss 'Shadow Arena' General PD

DalGames stands for 'Sweet Stories of Game Developers.' It offers a glimpse into the everyday lives and personal stories of game developers.

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] "Now, I am more familiar with being called by my nickname 'Byeolbaram' than my real name."

Kim Kwang-sam, the lead PD of Pearl Abyss's 'Shadow Arena,' is self-proclaimed and widely known as 'Byeolbaram.' His business card even features the three characters 'Byeolbaram' alongside his name. The nickname 'Byeolbaram' originated when he was obsessed with the classic arcade game 'Tekken.' He chose it because he liked stars and wind.

Byeolbaram is a rare case in the gaming industry as a former medical student. Having enjoyed game development as a hobby since childhood, he chose the life of a developer over becoming a doctor even after obtaining his medical license. When we met Kim PD recently at Pearl Abyss headquarters in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, he shared his stories sometimes seriously and sometimes humorously.

It was a computer his doctor father bought for character education that led him to the path of game development. He was in the fourth grade of elementary school at the time. From then on, he began self-studying and creating drafts, gradually immersing himself in game development. Kim PD smiled brightly, saying, "Even now, my parents say buying that computer was the biggest mistake of their lives."

"My specialty is fighting games. I was also famous as a gamer." Although he entered Chonnam National University Medical School, his interest remained in 'fighting games,' especially as a Tekken enthusiast. "With a high skill level, I was also well-known as a Tekken gamer at large arcades back then." Enjoying games and developing them, he graduated from the six-year medical program in eight years. His first creation was the fighting game 'Tiger's Fury,' which is an homage to Tekken.

After graduating from medical school, he worked as a solo game developer and from 2004 served as a professor at the Game Content School of Chung-Ang Culture Industry University. Even then, he developed indie games with his students. Kim PD ended his 'wild life' by joining Pearl Abyss in 2018 through his connection with Kim Dae-il, the chairman of Pearl Abyss.

His love for fighting games shines in Shadow Arena after 30 years. Shadow Arena is Pearl Abyss's new title where about 40 players fight until only one remains. As the lead PD, he plays a conductor-like role. From music, design, character speed, to game effects, there is no part of Shadow Arena untouched by his hand.

The character 'Ahon Kirrus' in the game is based on his imagination and includes prequel elements (stories from the original protagonist's past). Ahon Kirrus, who was a middle-aged village chief in the previous game 'Black Desert,' appears as a younger version in Shadow Arena. While developing the game, he focused on making users feel the 'taste of control.' His long experience playing fighting games is reflected in this. Kim PD said, "Just like cooking requires a special touch even with the same ingredients, games are the same. While great graphics are important, the 'taste' that makes players feel the gameplay is fun?through character movements, sequences, and game rules?is essential for success."

Shadow Arena attracted much attention, with 100,000 users participating in the global closed beta test (CBT) held last March. Early access began on the 21st of last month, and official service is forthcoming.