In 2022, the challenges of Korean game companies in the console market are gradually taking shape.
Until now, the domestic game industry was continuing to enter the console market focusing on relatively small genre games such as rogue-like and adventure, such as Neowiz’s ‘Skull’ and Line Games’ ‘Berryd Stars’.
But 2022 is different. It is entering the mainstream game genre that requires large-scale manpower and funds, such as F.PS and racing, and is knocking on the door of the console market.
The most representative work is Smilegate’s first console debut, ‘Crossfire X’. In fact, even before its launch, ‘Cross Fire X’ received a lot of attention not only in Korea but also in the global market.
The single campaign of ‘Remedy Entertainment’, which developed high-quality single games such as ‘Control’, ‘Max Payne’ and ‘Alan Wake’, and that it is a game that utilizes IP (intellectual property) of Crossfire, which is one of the mega hits in the global market. Because it caused a big issue in production.
The characteristic of ‘Cross Fire X’ is that it supports high-level graphics and various multiplayer modes. Like Smilegate’s statement that it will show AA-level game graphics, this game is one of the key elements of FPS, from the design of the gun to detailed modeling of the characters, the motion when shooting the gun, and the splashing of fragments whenever bullets scatter. It was enough to get a passing grade.
zoomCrossfire X (data source – Game Donga)In addition, the ‘classic mode’ containing the maps and characters of CrossFire that was previously serviced and the ‘modern mode’ including many modern FPS functions satisfied the diverse tastes of existing game fans and users newly introduced to the game.
In particular, in the case of a single campaign developed for North American & European users who value single mode, it was well-received as it was implemented with high-quality directing and graphics that contained the fragrance of ‘Remedi Entertainment’.
However, apart from these contents, the initial reaction of ‘Cross Fire X’ is not very good. The reason is that the multiplayer mode balance problem, various minor bugs, and the gun action, which is the core of FPS, is lacking compared to existing games, and the accessibility due to the exclusive release of the Xbox console is the reason.
Crossfire X (data source – Game Donga)In response, Smilegate acknowledged these problems, accepted users’ feedback, accelerated the in-game patch scheduled for March, and announced plans to make extensive improvements to the game.
Although the current appearance does not meet the standards of AA-level games, it is clear that we will change ‘Crossfire X’ to meet the expectations of those who expect AA-level games by taking quick action. Accordingly, the domestic game industry is increasingly interested in how Smilegate, which has boldly released console FPS games unfamiliar to Korea, will improve and respond to in the future.
Kart Rider Drift 3rd CBT (source of data – Game Donga)KartRider’s new racing game ‘KartRider Draft’, which Nexon has worked on for a long time, is also one of the most anticipated console games to be released in 2022.
‘Kart Rider Draft’, which has been in operation since 2018 and has been hardening through three tests over a period of about four years, is a work presented in multi-platform genres ranging from Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and mobile to cloud games. am.
In addition, it is one of the characteristics of this game to provide a lively racing experience by installing 4K UHD high-resolution graphics and HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology while maintaining the characteristics of the original, which was a casual racing game.
Kart Rider Drift (source of data – Game Donga)The merits of this ‘Kart Rider Drift’ attracted attention abroad first than in Korea. It debuted at ‘X019’ held in London last November and was very popular, and many users participated in the 3rd CBT, showing a popular move.
In particular, using eye-tracking technology to analyze users’ gaze, change the size of the user interface (UI) in the game, relocate the location to the center of the screen, and introduce a license system for beginner driving guides and skill checks. He also continued to improve the game.
Kart Rider Drift (source of data – Game Donga)Currently, ‘Kart Rider Drift’ is scheduled to be released within 2022, and the blueprint for the e-sports league has been released along with various events in the future, raising expectations.
Reporter Young-Jun Cho, who specializes in games at Donga.com zoroaster@donga.com