Today, in its Q1 2024 financial report, South Korean publisher Kakao Games revealed that both of its hotly anticipated UE5 powered action MMORPGs, ArcheAge 2 and Chrono Odyssey, are slated to launch globally next year.
Kakao actually has three UE5 powered action RPGs on the way, although the third one, tentatively titled The Swordmaster's Youngest Son, is slated in 2026 and is not an MMO.
| Game | Chrono Odyssey | ArcheAge 2 | The Swordmaster's Youngest Son |
| Genre | Action MMORPG | Action MMORPG | Action RPG |
| Developer | Chrono Studio | XL Games | OceanDrive Studio |
| Region | Global | Global | Global |
| Schedule | 25Y | 25Y | 26Y |
| Dynamic and action-filled battle, with unique classes and wide- ranging weapons | Non-target action combat, maximizing the fun of mainstream combat style and maneuver | Action combat based on speedy and stylish mechanism | |
| Game Features | Fascinating experience delivered through manipulation of time and space in a fantasy world | Single-play style with an immersive narrative based on inherited universe | Distinctive art style and Spin-off narrative based on the universe of the original IP |
| Diverse array of PvE content strengthening role-play feature | Tightly-knit open world with unfettered adventure | Single combat action and collaborative party-based action | |
| Customization based on wide-ranging option and higher degree of freedom | Inherits Arche Age IP and its livelihood content | Targeting various patterns of boss monsters and dungeons |
ArcheAge 2 is, of course, the sequel to the 2013 sandpark MMORPG created by Lineage's Jake Song, who is once again at the helm of the new game. Announced in late 2022, it was originally slated to launch in 2024, though Kakao eventually revealed the development would take until the latter half of the year - thus practically hinting at the 2025 launch they just confirmed. A few months ago, we also learned that ArcheAge 2 would move away from the original's large scale PvP to focus on PvE and Guild versus Guild modes.
Chrono Odyssey was announced even earlier, and we first reported on the MMORPG in late 2020. The game got a re-reveal about a year ago when developer NPIXEL announced that the project had switched to UE5 and would focus on PC and console releases, just like ArcheAge 2. The defining feature is going to be time, which will be a factor not only in the storyline but also in combat somehow. The game was again shown at GDC 2024 during Epic's Unreal Engine 5 showcase.
Kakao Games also has a few additional noteworthy games on its lineup. The long-awaited PC and mobile MMORPG Odin: Valhalla Rising is slated to launch in North America and Europe at some point in 2024's latter half; the twin-stick shooter Blackout Protocol, currently on Steam Early Access, should get a full launch this year, and the roguelite tactical RPG Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is also planned for 2024. Next year, Kakao also plans to launch a post-apocalyptic/sci-fi looter shooter PC and console game codenamed Project S and made in UE5.
About the author: With over two decades of experience in gaming journalism, Alessio Palumbo has led the gaming vertical at Wccftech since August 2015. He started working at a young age for Italian websites like Everyeye.it, Gamestar.it, Nextgame.it, and Multiplayer.it before kickstarting the indie English-language publication Worlds Factory as its founder and Editor in Chief. In the last decade, he has coordinated the overall output of Wccftech's gaming section, managed PR relations, assigned reviews, produced daily news coverage, edited gaming content as needed, and delivered game reviews. Arguably, his trademark content is the long series of exclusive developer interviews that have been cited by Wikipedia and by the biggest news media and gaming publications. His passion for technology also makes him knowledgeable when it comes to gaming hardware and tech. His favorite genres include RPGs, MMORPGs, and action/adventure games.
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