NCSoft will release its new title "THRONE AND LIBERTY" (hereafter TL), developed with user feedback from the early stages, on the 7th of next month. Communication with users continues until the final stages of release, raising expectations for the new game.
TL's lead producer An Jong-ok recently declared in a "Producer's Letter" that "auto hunting" will be completely excluded and no business model (BM) that could burden users will be introduced. This was in response to concerns raised by users during the closed beta test (CBT) about the consumption of paid currency.
Previously, NCSoft consistently expressed its commitment to improving TL's content. They conducted CBTs domestically and internationally to listen to user feedback. As a result, the core goals were focused on "dynamic combat" and "fast growth." Accordingly, NCSoft announced the complete removal of "auto hunting" and "auto movement." This decision aims to allow users to directly and precisely control the content through PC keyboards and mice or console game controllers, enhancing immersion.
With the removal of "auto hunting," the entire combat system has been revamped. Characters can now attack while moving, and a "non-targeting" type skill that strikes a specific point rather than targeting a character or monster has been added. Additionally, the "weapon combination system," which involves equipping and using one or two types of weapons, has been strengthened, allowing users to choose diverse combat styles based on their preferences and control proficiency.
The character growth speed has also been significantly accelerated. With "auto hunting" excluded, the need to gain experience points through monster hunting has been greatly reduced. Instead, "adventure" and "exploration" content take its place. TL features an "open world" where players can travel to all areas within the game. By exploring each region, discovering hidden spots in the field, and completing quests, the experience points earned have been greatly increased. The time required to reach the maximum level of 50, based on official service standards, is expected to decrease to one-tenth of that during the CBT.
Producer An stated, "Our goal is to create a PC MMORPG where many people gather. We promise not to change the battle pass-centered approach," clearly expressing the intention to improve the BM.
The concept of "grades" has also been removed from collection content represented by "Amitoy" and "Wild Transformation." All Amitoys and Wild Transformations have the same grade and identical performance. Both "paid items" purchased from the store and "in-game rewards" obtained through gameplay differ only in appearance and do not affect the character's stats.
TL, which reflects user feedback, proved popular during the pre-character creation phase. The first five servers opened were fully booked within about an hour. Additional servers opened sequentially also filled up, leading to an increase to 15 servers over the weekend and expanded capacity.
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