"Fourth-Generation MMORPG Blending Retro Sensibility with Cutting-Edge Technology"
"We were talking about fourth-generation idol groups, and as I watched idol music being created by blending retro sensibilities with new technology, I thought it would be great if we could make our game in a similar way."
Seonghwan Jung, executive director of GameTales, explained the meaning behind the new title "The Starlight" as a fourth-generation massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). He emphasized that the game captures nostalgia from the past and infuses it with the latest gaming technology to make it relevant for today.
Art Director Junho Jung, Sound Director Gumin Nam, Head of Game Business Division Jihoon Han, and CEO of Game Tales Sunghwan Jung are posing at a press conference held on the afternoon of the 10th. (From left) Provided by Com2uS
"The Starlight" is a new MMORPG developed by GameTales and published by Com2uS. The game follows the journey of chosen heroes as they search for the scattered "Starlight" across a multiverse where multiple dimensions are intertwined. The game is based on four novels written by executive director Seonghwan Jung, and features a complex universe that spans medieval, modern, and futuristic settings.
Director Jung said, "I thought it would be interesting to use the original novels as a focal point and bring together protagonists from different genres to create an overarching story," adding, "Meeting Com2uS made it possible to bring this vision to life."
While "The Starlight" pursues a retro sensibility as a fourth-generation MMORPG, it also incorporates a variety of cutting-edge technologies. The game’s graphics are built on the latest 3D game engine, Unreal Engine 5, and immersive gameplay is enhanced by a strategic collision system and region-specific soundtracks.
Jihoon Han, head of the Com2uS game business division, explained, "The Starlight is not just about emphasizing retro or nostalgia. We have fully integrated the latest technologies and graphics, including Unreal Engine 5," adding, "We aimed to follow the technical standards and conventions of modern MMORPGs, while adding a touch of the emotional experience that older MMORPGs provided."
Com2uS is responsible for publishing "The Starlight." Until now, Com2uS has primarily serviced its own developed titles, such as "Summoners War: Sky Arena." Regarding this, Han said, "We decided to expand our publishing business to offer a wider variety of genres to more users," and continued, "Our strategy is to select and publish games that can succeed not only globally, but also in Korea."
Han also stated, "With 'The Starlight,' we want to demonstrate our ability to excel in both service and publishing within the MMORPG genre," adding, "The success of The Starlight is extremely important for the entire company, and we hope this will be an opportunity for Com2uS to take a significant leap forward."
"The Starlight" will officially launch on September 18. Pre-registration is currently available through the official brand site, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store. Since September 3, pre-downloads for the PC version have also been available.
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