From 'R&D' Focus to 'C&D'... NCSoft Completely Changes Game Development Structure

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Facing a crisis due to controversies over probability-based items and poor performance of new releases, NCSoft has shown a commitment to innovation by transforming its closed development structure into an open development structure, aiming to regain the trust of game users.

According to NCSoft on the 18th, the recent business focus has shifted from 'R&D' to 'C&D (Collaborative & Open Development)'. Unlike the previous approach where internal developers immediately showcased their results, this new method actively incorporates gamers' demands from the early stages of development and reflects expert opinions through external networks.

This decision stemmed from CEO Kim Taek-jin's determination to break away from past success formulas. In the 'TJ Letter' sent to all employees last September, Kim stated, "We will deeply reflect on the problems we have," and "We will promote change to evolve." He particularly emphasized that "the past success formula is already a thing of the past," clearly expressing his intention to move away from the 'Lineage'-style game development framework.

Introducing five new intellectual properties (IPs) currently in development through teaser videos, NCSoft used 'Project + Initials' instead of official game titles for this reason.

Previously, NCSoft revealed ▲Project E ▲Project R ▲Project M ▲BSS (Blade & Soul S) ▲TL (Throne & Liberty), but except for BSS and TL, the game titles have not yet been finalized. An NCSoft representative explained, "Because we are expanding communication with customers from the development stage, we ended up using the name 'Project'."

Not only development but also company policies and business models actively reflect users' opinions. A representative example is the removal of the fatigue system 'Einhasad System' in Lineage W, which resolved excessive charging issues that had caused significant user dissatisfaction.

NCSoft is also notable for diversifying genres beyond the MMORPG-focused game development. The company plans to expand its portfolio into various genres such as interactive movies, action battle royales, and collection RPGs. It is also characterized by targeting the global market rather than just domestic users.

Hong Won-jun, NCSoft's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), said, "Our current top strategic goal is to leap forward as a global game company," adding, "While maintaining our strengths in MMORPGs, we plan to bet heavily on diversifying into various genres."