Leading game companies are picking up the pace on next-generation projects leveraging their proven intellectual properties. The strategy is to maximize the chances of success by capitalizing on established brand power and existing fan bases. Industry observers predict that finding the right balance between preserving the original identity and meeting the expectations of today's gamers will be the defining factor in whether these projects succeed or fail.
Nexon, Krafton, and NC logos (clockwise from top). / Each company
According to industry sources on the 27th, Delloquest, a subsidiary of Nexon Korea, is currently recruiting development staff for "Project BB," a new title based on the Baramui Nara (Kingdom of the Winds) IP.
Hiring is underway across 11 roles, including pixel artists, character artists, and background artists. Project BB marks the first original title Delloquest has developed since its incorporation. The game is a next-generation 2.5D MMORPG built on the Baramui Nara IP, with a focus on reinterpreting the original through modern technology while preserving its core identity. It combines dot-style characters with 3D backgrounds.
User anticipation is further fueled by an emphasis on solo play and small-to-mid-sized party experiences over large-scale multiplayer — and by the appointment of Lee Tae-seong, former Chief Product Officer at SuperCat who helped drive the success of Baramui Nara: Yeon, as the project lead.
Krafton is developing a sequel to the MMORPG TERA. The game aims for high-quality production built on a non-targeting combat system and Unreal Engine 5. TERA, upon its launch in 2011, drew considerable attention for its polished action combat, and the sequel is expected to push that experience even further.
A Krafton representative commented, "It is one of the prototype-stage projects at Bluehole Studio, and some information has been selectively disclosed during the recruitment process to attract talent. The development direction may change depending on future progress."
NC, meanwhile, is undertaking a rebuilding effort around its Blade & Soul IP. Known internally as "Project JSY," the project is in development as a triple-A console action RPG, with goals to expand the original's worldbuilding and deliver enhanced action gameplay.
Behind the industry-wide push to revive legacy IPs is the proven strength of established brands. Mabinogi Mobile is frequently cited as a prime example of success in this space it carried forward the lifestyle-oriented content of the original while introducing a user-friendly business model, earning strong approval from players in their teens and twenties.
An industry insider noted, "Successful IPs come with a highly loyal user base, which can generate marketing and promotional effects that would otherwise be hard to achieve. There's also an accumulated body of operational know-how specific to each game, which makes the odds of success higher than trying to cultivate an entirely new IP from scratch."
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