In a highly anticipated move, Smilegate RPG is set to unveil Lost Ark Mobile at the upcoming G-STAR 2023, marking the culmination of a six-year development journey. The mobile iteration of the globally acclaimed PC MMORPG Lost Ark has garnered immense attention as industry insiders and fans alike speculate whether the success of the original title will seamlessly transition to mobile platforms.
Lost Ark Mobile to take center stage at G-STAR 2023 after six years in development
Lost Ark Mobile has been in the works since 2018, with Smilegate RPG’s CEO, Ji Won-Gil, directly overseeing production. The project boasts a team of seasoned professionals, including TD Choi Eui-Jong, who has previously contributed to titles such as Lost Saga and Icarus during his tenure at Neowiz and Wemade IO.
Ji Won-Gil, known for leading the Chinese service of Crossfire, initiated the development of Lost Ark at Smilegate RPG in 2011. The studio concurrently embarked on Project W in 2016, expanding the team to around 30 members. However, development on Project W was halted in August 2017. Subsequently, with the triumphant launch of the PC version of Lost Ark, a dedicated team was formed to spearhead the creation of Lost Ark Mobile.
Entering its sixth year of planning and team building, Lost Ark Mobile has been a long-term project that has piqued curiosity regarding its development status and release date. Although some speculations suggest a release in 2025, there is no concrete evidence supporting this claim.
Smilegate RPG’s impressive financial performance last year, with sales reaching KRW 736.9 billion and operating profit at KRW 364.1 billion, has set the stage for Lost Ark Mobile’s debut. The success of services in North America and Europe, coupled with a strategic launch in China through Tencent in July, positions Smilegate RPG for substantial growth
Drawing parallels with NC‘s flagship Lineage series, which experienced mobile sales up to 10 times higher than its PC counterpart, industry experts foresee Smilegate RPG securing a spot among gaming giants if Lost Ark Mobile follows a similar trajectory. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on G-STAR 2023 as Lost Ark Mobile takes its first steps into the limelight.
With seven classes designed specifically for the platform and captivating combat, Lost Ark Mobile takes the thrill of Lost Ark to mobile devices. Although the controls could be difficult to use, targeting and automatic recommendations improve playability. The plot is essentially the same as that of Lost Ark, with a few tweaks.
Character customization is comparable, however, there aren’t as many alternatives for unusual attire. Akchupi, or boss encounters, have recognizable components. With enhanced displays and reasonable Abyss Dungeon difficulty in the demo, convenience is given priority.
The MVP window still shows one player with titles determined by the number of enemies they have vanquished. All things considered, Lost Ark Mobile provides a mobile user-friendly, immersive Lost Ark experience.
As of now, the news of Lost Ark Mobile is exclusively for Korea, but given the game’s widespread popularity, the anticipation for a global version of the news is perceptible, suggesting that a global release may be on the horizon in the near future.
What are your thoughts on the news that Lost Ark Mobile is to be showcased at G-STAR 2023 after six years in development? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!
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