NC Launches TricksterM... Will It Reduce Dependence on 'Linjeossi'? [Buaeri's Game Dictionary]

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] NCSoft is expanding its user base. Until now, NCSoft's users were overwhelmingly men in their 30s and 40s, to the extent that the term 'Linjeossi' (a nickname for middle-aged men who enjoy Lineage) was coined. This year, NCSoft plans to target the MZ generation, including teenagers and people in their 20s, through new releases.

'Cute Lineage' TricksterM Launch

According to NCSoft on the 8th, 'TricksterM' will be released on the 20th. TricksterM was originally scheduled for release on March 26 but was postponed for quality improvements and other reasons. This is the first time NCSoft has delayed the release date after announcing it for a new game. With nearly two extra months of development, expectations for the game's completeness have grown.

TricksterM is a mobile massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) based on the Trickster intellectual property (IP) released in 2003, characterized by charming pixel art graphics. Even before its release, it earned the nickname 'Cute Lineage.' Because of this, industry insiders believe it can captivate not only original fans but also teenagers, people in their 20s, and female gamers.

TricksterM inherits the much-loved 'Drill Action' from the original. Adventurers can uncover hidden stories within the TricksterM world through excavation using drills. The pixel graphics in TricksterM have been refined more intricately than the original. User responses have been positive, with 5 million pre-registrations.

Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft

Will it reduce dependence on 'Lineage'?

There is interest in whether TricksterM will reduce NCSoft's dependence on the 'Lineage' IP. For years, Lineage IP has been NCSoft's core revenue source. As of last year, the annual revenue from the Lineage series was 1.9585 trillion KRW. This includes mobile games LineageM with 828.7 billion KRW, Lineage2M with 849.6 billion KRW, PC game Lineage with 175.7 billion KRW, and Lineage2 with 104.5 billion KRW. This accounts for over 80% of NCSoft's total revenue (2.4162 trillion KRW).

Given the heavy reliance on the Lineage IP, NCSoft's concerns inevitably deepen. Although Lineage continues to enjoy success, there is no guarantee that its current popularity will be sustained. Moreover, Lineage has faced ongoing user dissatisfaction, including controversies over probability-based items. If 'Linjeossi' users turn away, it would be a critical blow to NCSoft.

NCSoft, which had no new releases since 2019, plans to diversify its revenue this year through the release of TricksterM, entry into the console market, and global expansion. Last month, NCSoft launched the new mobile game 'Pro Baseball H3,' and Lineage2M entered the Taiwanese and Japanese markets. The release of 'Blade & Soul 2' is also forthcoming. An NCSoft official said, "We believe TricksterM will capture the hearts of a diverse range of users, including younger generations and women."

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