Nexon Games’ loot shooter RPG ‘First Descendants’, which was released globally on July 2nd and has been in operation for two months, is emerging as a contender for this year’s ‘Korea Game Awards’. The ‘Korea Game Awards’, which began in 1996, is often referred to as the Korean version of the ‘GOTY (Game of the Year)’, as it aims to select the best game of the year.
The ‘Korea Game Awards’ is not only the sole game awards ceremony in Korea recognized by the government and relevant associations, but its top honor, the Grand Prize, carries significant symbolic weight, akin to the Presidential Award. Looking at the previous winners of the Grand Prize, some notable titles include ‘Lineage’, ‘Fortress 2’, ‘The War of Genesis 3: Part 2’, ‘Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders’, ‘Aion: Tower of Eternity’, ‘Mabinogi Heroes’, ‘Terra’, ‘Blade & Soul’, ‘ArcheAge’, ‘HIT’, ‘Battleground’, ‘Black Desert Mobile’, ‘Lost Ark’, ‘Odin: Valhalla Rising’, ‘Dungeon & Fighter Mobile’, and ‘P’s Lie’.
This is why everyone in the gaming industry is putting their pride on the line and making significant efforts to win the ‘Republic of Korea Game Awards’.
Nexon’s ‘First Descendant’, the reason it is mentioned as a ‘0th-ranked’ candidate for the Game Awards
View larger imageNexon Games’ ‘First Descendants’, a strong candidate for this year’s ‘Korea Game Awards’. Photo = Nexon Games
◇ Game Awards: ‘Masterpieces’, ‘Overseas expansion’, and ‘Console support’ games are advantageous
The industry is identifying Nexon Games’ ‘First Descendants’ and Shift Up’s ‘Stella Blade’ as strong contenders for this year’s Grand Prize. First Descendants is a loot-shooter RPG game available on consoles (PlayStation 4/5, Xbox S/X) and PC (Steam), characterized by its support for various platforms, high-quality graphics, and impressive global box office performance, particularly in Western markets.
Stella Blade is recognized for elevating the status of Korean games by achieving top sales in several North American and European countries right after its release as a PlayStation exclusive. This game features a beautiful female protagonist and is credited with enhancing the action genre through its intense difficulties typical of the ‘soul-like’ genre, along with various linked techniques and the gratifying sensations they offer.
Both games have received positive reviews both domestically and internationally and have performed well commercially, so it would not be surprising if either were to win the Grand Prize. However, some industry insiders suggest that First Descendants holds a slight advantage in the race for the Grand Prize. Here are the reasons why.
◇ Single-player package game vs. multiplayer live service game
Nexon’s ‘First Descendant’, the reason it is mentioned as a ‘0th-ranked’ candidate for the Game Awards
View larger imageLuna, the new character added to First Descendants with the July 31 update. Photo = Nexon Games
Looking at the winners of the ‘Korea Game Awards’, most previous winners have been what are considered ‘masterpieces’. Many indie and mobile games with innovative concepts have been nominated, but ultimately, it has been the ‘masterpieces’ that garnered the votes. Both Stellar Blade and First Descendants are significant investments, but First Descendants, which also accommodates PC users, seems to have an edge in appealing to voters compared to Stellar Blade, which is limited to consoles and specifically PlayStation.
Stellar Blade is a single-player game available in packaged or downloadable formats. In contrast, First Descendants operates as a live service game that supports multiplayer functionality. This aspect highlights the importance of ongoing operations rather than merely focusing on game development. Particularly, First Descendants, which effectively manages hundreds of thousands of concurrent users, is expected to receive additional praise for demonstrating technical expertise in live service operations. Notably, First Descendants has recorded a peak of around 265,000 concurrent users on the Steam platform. When factoring in players from PlayStation and Xbox, the total number of ‘concurrent users’ could potentially reach 400,000.
◇ Impact of awareness of games released in the first half of the year vs. those released in the second half
Nexon’s ‘First Descendant’, the reason it is mentioned as a ‘0th-ranked’ candidate for the Game Awards
View larger image‘Stella Blade’, released on April 26, attracted significant attention at launch but has seen decreased interest over time. Photo = Shift Up
Considering the relationship between a game’s release date and its current popularity, First Descendants appears to hold a slight advantage. Stella Blade was released on April 26, while the announcement of the Korea Game Awards will be on November 15, meaning that nearly six months will have passed since its launch. As a single-player game, it tends to generate a lot of discussion initially, but this usually wanes over time as most potential buyers will have already experienced the game by the six-month mark.
Conversely, First Descendants was released on July 2. By the time of the Korea Game Awards announcement, it will have been about four and a half months since its launch. Live service games typically receive ongoing updates and new content, which can actually increase their visibility and engagement over time compared to their initial launch.
Nexon’s ‘First Descendant’, the reason it is mentioned as a ‘0th-ranked’ candidate for the Game Awards
View larger imageThe ‘Invasion’ update for ‘First Descendants’ was initially set to be released in three parts but was adjusted to two due to user feedback. Photo = First Descendants homepage
On the 29th of this month, nearly two months after its July 2nd launch, the first update of the large-scale ‘Invasion’ content was implemented. The second update is slated for October 10th. Meanwhile, through quick hotfix updates (not large-scale but rather urgent fixes for in-game issues), First Descendants remains a frequent topic in the media and gaming communities. It is clear which game has the advantage in voting: one that has lost its appeal and one that is still generating interest.
Nexon Games is also dedicating all its resources to ensure the long-term success of the game. The ‘Invasion’ update was initially planned as a three-part series; however, in response to user protests, it was quickly changed to two parts, with active communication with the player base. Recent award-winning games have been influenced by certain factors: △ Triple-A masterpieces △ Global releases △ Console support. Thus, whether it’s Stella Blade or First Descendants that wins the award, when one considers the themes of ‘masterpieces’ and ‘relevance’, First Descendants appears to be a step closer to victory.
Sanghoon Lee, Global Economic Reporter [email protected]
Nexon Games’ ‘First Descendants’: A Leading Contender for the Korea Game Awards 2023
Nexon Games’ loot shooter RPG ‘First Descendants’, which debuted globally on July 2nd and has been thriving for over two months, is gaining traction as a prime candidate for this year’s Korea Game Awards. Established in 1996, the Korea Game Awards, akin to a Korean version of the Game of the Year (GOTY), recognizes outstanding games that redefine the gaming landscape.
The Korea Game Awards is the only government-recognized game awards festival in Korea, and the prestigious Grand Prize carries immense significance, equivalent to the Presidential Award. Previous recipients of this esteemed award include iconic titles such as Lineage, Blade & Soul, and Lost Ark, showcasing the high-caliber standards associated with the award.
Game Awards: Masterpieces, Global Reach, and Console Support
For the upcoming awards, industry experts are eyeing Nexon Games’ ‘First Descendants’ alongside Shift Up’s ‘Stella Blade’ as top contenders for the coveted Grand Prize. ‘First Descendants’ is notable for its availability on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4/5, Xbox S/X, and Steam, setting the standard for high-quality graphics and robust global performance, especially in Western markets.
‘Stella Blade’, on the other hand, captivated audiences by topping sales charts in North America and Europe shortly after its release as a PlayStation exclusive. This game introduces a visually stunning female protagonist and has gained recognition for elevating the action genre to a new level with challenging gameplay reminiscent of souls-like mechanics and intricate combat techniques.
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Both games have resonated well with audiences both domestically and internationally, contributing to their box office success. However, many insiders suggest that ‘First Descendants’ might have a slight edge due to several factors:
Single-Player vs. Multiplayer Dynamics
Analyzing the history of the Korea Game Awards, the majority of Grand Prize recipients have been classified as masterpieces. While indie and mobile games have made nominations, the preference often leans towards those larger, resource-rich projects. Both ‘Stella Blade’ and ‘First Descendants’ fit this category, but ‘First Descendants’‘ unique multiplayer live service model could sway voters in its favor.
Stella Blade operates primarily as a single-player experience with a focus on packaged and downloadable content, which can often lead to a decline in discussion as time passes. In contrast, ‘First Descendants’ thrives on its live service model, ensuring ongoing engagement and player interaction.
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Moreover, ‘First Descendants’ has successfully managed a peak of about 265,000 concurrent users on the Steam platform. When considering console users, this number could easily reach up to 400,000. This robust user base underpins the game’s operational credibility—a crucial aspect that can positively influence voting outcomes.
Timing and Market Awareness
Additionally, the relative timing of game releases plays a pivotal role in awards considerations. ‘Stella Blade’ launched on April 26, and by the time the Korea Game Awards are announced on November 15, its initial buzz may have subsided as players complete single-player content. Meanwhile, ‘First Descendants’ continues to evolve and maintain relevance thanks to its live updates, keeping the community engaged and discussions alive.
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Continuous Engagement through Updates
Nexon Games has been proactive in enhancing ‘First Descendants’ with timely updates, the first major patch, ‘Invasion’, released on July 31, followed by another slated for October 10. This consistent flow of content not only fortifies player investment but also generates ongoing media attention, making it more likely to remain top-of-mind among voters.
In response to community feedback, the development team has showcased adaptability, altering their planned update from three installments to two—demonstrating a willingness to engage and communicate effectively with users.
Criteria for Winning the Korea Game Awards
Recent trends in award-winning games suggest the following as common attributes:
- Triple-A development investment
- Global release strategy
- Robust performance on consoles
Both ‘First Descendants’ and ‘Stella Blade’ adhere to these established criteria, further enhancing their chances of receiving the coveted Grand Prize. However, considering the importance of community engagement, operational excellence, and a sustained relevancy, ‘First Descendants’ appears poised to secure the award through its masterful execution and effective marketing strategies.
The race for this prestigious accolade is thrilling, with both games deserving recognition for their contributions to the gaming industry. Justly, the community looks forward to the official announcements on nominees and potential winners as developers continue to innovate and expand horizons in the dynamic world of gaming.
