Com2uS's new MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) 'Zeus: God of Hubris' has achieved strong initial success. Com2uS, which urgently needed a new title to offset the declining sales of 'Summer Nuz War', now has an opportunity for a rebound. Amid slowing growth in the gaming market, MMORPGs with high revenue per user and long lifespans are once again being recognized as 'performance-guaranteed cards' for game companies.
According to the gaming industry on the 6th, 'Zeus' ranked first in Google Play sales and fourth in Apple App Store sales on that day. Launched on the 26th of last month, it reached number one in both major app market sales rankings within approximately 18 hours and has maintained its position in the top ranks since then.
Com2uS is now raising expectations for a new revenue source. The intellectual property (IP) 'Summer Nuz War', which accounts for a portion of earnings, is seeing declining sales as it marks its 12th anniversary since launch. In the second quarter this year, RPG (role-playing game) sector sales including 'Summer Nuz War: Arena of the Sky' fell by 15% compared to the same period last year. The MMORPG 'The Starlight', released last year, also handed over operational rights to the developer after just five months.
Industry observers cite the lowered entry barriers for mid- and small-scale paying users as a key factor in 'Zeus's initial success. The game introduced an 'AI mode' that supports automatic hunting with features like potion replenishment and item organization, and operates separate servers exclusively for high-spending creators. Evaluations suggest that the membership priced at 9,900 won per month and its earlier release date compared to competing titles also contributed to user acquisition.
The success of MMORPGs is also reflected in the performance of other game companies. On the day's Google Play sales rankings, NC's 'Lineage M' took second place, while Netmarble's 'Sol: Enchant' secured fourth. Launched in 2017, 'Lineage M' has maintained its position in the top sales ranks for nine consecutive years. NC's new title 'Aion 2' also generated over 280 billion won in sales during the three quarters following its launch.
Netmarble continued its performance recovery last year by successfully launching 'RF Online Next' and 'Vampire'. 'Sol: Enchant', released in June, maintained the number one position on Google Play sales rankings until 'Zeus' was released. Sales from just about two weeks accounted for 3% of Netmarble's total second-quarter revenue.
MMORPGs have faced criticism for the proliferation of similar games and excessive monetization practices. Nevertheless, game companies continue development because MMORPGs offer high ARPU (average revenue per user) and long lifespans for hit titles, making them stable sources of cash generation. According to market research firm Sensor Tower, MMORPGs accounted for 30% of domestic mobile game in-app payment sales from January to September last year.
An industry official stated, "For a game company to challenge new genres, it must generate stable revenue from existing hit titles," and added, "To secure development funds and foundational strength, there is no choice but to continue releasing MMORPGs."
in TECH
