NC Reflects User Feedback... Removes 'Auto Hunting' in TL

NCSoft released a 'Producer's Letter' on the 12th regarding its new massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), 'THRONE AND LIBERTY' (hereafter TL).

PD Jong-ok Ahn, who oversees TL's development, introduced the game improvement directions in detail. These reflect user feedback gathered during the domestic beta test held in May. The core tasks are to improve the 'static combat' and 'boring progression.'

NCSoft will remove the 'auto-hunting' system, which received the most improvement requests from users. PD Ahn explained, "We initially considered auto-hunting as a natural flow in MMORPGs that require long-term play, but that was a decision made too easily. We reaffirmed that TL is a game where players can immerse themselves by finely controlling content that values manual operation, so we have completely removed auto-hunting and auto-movement."

The combat system, which previously did not allow attacking and moving simultaneously, has also been changed. Although TL’s large-scale battle characteristics led to a setting where movement was disabled during attacks, user feedback pointed out that this lowered the control experience. Therefore, the system was modified to allow movement and combat simultaneously.

Additionally, changes emphasizing control elements in the combat system were explained. Improvements for more diverse combat include: ▲adding new types of skills that designate directions or strike specific points ▲removing character collisions outside conflict zones ▲improving responsiveness of direction change controls ▲adding initial skills ▲speeding up skill acquisition.

The weapon system has been revamped to strengthen TL’s unique 'weapon swap' feature. PD Ahn stated, "The weapon system, which allows equipping and using two types of weapons, is a very important characteristic of TL combat," and introduced several improvements: ▲a stat system enabling free weapon combinations ▲adjustments to weapon passive skills ▲expansion of equipment crafting and enhancement material acquisition sources.

To enable faster and more diverse progression, content reorganization has also been carried out. Players will notice changes such as ▲reduced hunting proportion in growth phases ▲increased experience rewards from regional events ▲expanded party instance dungeons and adventure content ▲shortened leveling time to reduce growth fatigue ▲expanded and increased acquisition rates of materials needed for skill enhancement and equipment growth. PD Ahn said, "In addition to the highest priority tasks, many other improvements are underway simultaneously. We plan to reflect some of these improvements in upcoming tests and will continue to refine and fix the game."

TL has established a 'Speak to TL' board to further gather user opinions. Through this board, users can express their views on TL’s development direction.