Release Comes Amid Tightened Regulations on Loot Box Systems in South Korea's Gaming Industry

Courtesy of NETMARBLE

Netmarble is preparing to release its highly anticipated massively multiplayer role-playing game (MMORPG), Arthdal Chronicles: Three Factions, in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau on April 24. The game, produced in collaboration with Studio Dragon, is inspired by the TV drama series of the same name, featuring a star-studded cast including Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won, Jang Dong-gun, and Kim Ok-vin.

Arthdal Chronicles: Three Factions revolves around a power struggle between three factions—Arthdal, Ago, and Atlaga—as they vie for control over the Continent of Arth. The game incorporates a monetization strategy known as the "loot box system," where players can purchase in-game lucky draws that may yield various items.
 

▲ Jang Hyun-jin, producer at Netmarble F&C (left), and Jung Seung-hwan, Netmarble’s business head, discuss their upcoming title Arthdal Chronicles: Three Factions at a roundtable interview in western Seoul / Courtesy of NETMARBLERecently, South Korea's antitrust regulator implemented stricter rules requiring game companies to disclose information about loot box items, including probability data. Netmarble's business head, Jung Seung-hwan, emphasized the game's adherence to these regulations, stating that all probabilities within the game are transparent and consistent across server and client devices.

The original TV drama series faced criticism in 2019 for its fantasy genre and plot settings reminiscent of "Game of Thrones." However, producer Jang Hyun-jin of Netmarble F&C believes that the series' universe is well-suited for a gaming adaptation. The game focuses on expanding gameplay options, such as providing various methods for players to obtain in-game currency and promoting camaraderie and teamwork among players.

Additionally, Arthdal Chronicles: Three Factions incorporates game politics, allowing players to vie for leadership roles through democratic processes within their factions. The release of the game coincides with heightened scrutiny of the gaming industry's practices, particularly regarding loot box systems, in South Korea.

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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com