Key Takeaways
1. Aion 2 is highly anticipated to surpass Throne and Liberty in size, technical goals, and financial success, with a development team of about 300 since 2018.
2. NCsoft’s CFO expresses greater confidence in Aion 2 compared to Throne and Liberty, as NCsoft will manage the global launch independently, potentially improving profit margins.
3. The game will feature stunning graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, alongside traditional PvE raids, mini-games, and action-focused combat similar to Black Desert Online.
4. Aion 2 will incorporate microtransactions, but NCsoft claims it will be less pay-to-win than Throne and Liberty, a claim that remains to be validated by players.
5. An extensive reveal of Aion 2 is scheduled for May 29, with a first playtest in Korea in June 2025 and a full launch planned for Korea and Taiwan in November, followed by a global release around mid-2026.
With Aion 2 on the way, NCsoft is gearing up for its next big MMORPG, and the buzz is palpable. According to recent reports from media and financial sources, this game is anticipated to outshine Throne and Liberty, not just in size but also in its technical goals and financial success. As the follow-up to the beloved 2009 game Aion, this project has been in the works since 2018 and boasts a team of about 300 developers.
Confidence in Aion 2
CFO Hong Won-jun has made it clear that the company feels much more optimistic about Aion 2’s future than it did with last year’s Throne and Liberty, which got a mixed bag of reviews on Steam. Unlike Throne and Liberty, which is distributed by Amazon in Western markets, NCsoft will manage the global launch of Aion 2 on its own. This approach is likely to enhance profit margins, even if total sales are similar.
Stunning Visuals with Unreal Engine 5
Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, Aion 2 is predicted to offer breathtaking graphics. Players can check out the game’s visual style and ambiance through the teaser trailer:
Get ready for a combination of traditional PvE raids, fun mini-games, and a contemporary, action-focused combat system that feels a lot like Black Desert Online. For those who enjoy PvP, the realm-vs-realm battles from the original Aion make a comeback, with two factions engaging in massive battles that will be central to the endgame.
Monetization and Upcoming Reveal
Aion 2 will include microtransactions, but NCsoft insists that its monetization strategy will be less pay-to-win compared to Throne and Liberty. With some Western players remaining skeptical, it’ll be interesting to see if these claims can be validated in practice.
NCsoft is set to provide an extensive reveal that will cover the game world, combat mechanics, monetization strategies, and other essential features. This livestream event is planned for May 29 at 7:00 AM EDT. The first playtest in Korea is scheduled for June 2025, with a full launch in Korea and Taiwan planned for November. A worldwide release is anticipated around mid-2026.
Although Aion 2 is primarily targeting PC platforms, there is still a chance for cross-platform capabilities. Initially intended to be a mobile game, the focus has shifted to PC as the primary platform. Currently, there’s no official statement regarding potential releases for PlayStation 5 or other gaming consoles.
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