On the 13th, Hound13 posted answers to user questions regarding its upcoming open-world action RPG, 'DragonSword: Awakening,' which is scheduled for release on Steam this July.

'DragonSword= Awakening' is a self-published relaunch of 'DragonSword,' a title previously released by Hound13 through Webzen. The original 'DragonSword' launched on January 21, but its operations faltered due to a conflict stemming from Webzen's failure to pay the remaining minimum guarantee. The situation escalated after Hound13 notified Webzen of contract termination and Webzen announced a full refund policy and a stern response. Hound13 later explained in a written interview that 60% of the payment remained unpaid and that Webzen had demanded management rights as a condition for further investment. Webzen subsequently deposited the ₩3 billion balance and stated it would strive to normalize service, maintaining that the publishing contract remained valid.

However, negotiations failed to reach a resolution. On the 3rd, Hound13 mentioned via phone that it planned to release the game as a package title on Steam through self-publishing. On the 10th, the company officially embarked on this new path by renaming the title to 'DragonSword: Awakening,' launching a Steam page and YouTube channel, and announcing a July release.

Given that the game was previously released as a live-service title in January, users raised questions about changes in the Steam version, future plans, and the business model (BM). In response, Hound13 clarified in an FAQ that the game is a single-player package game (B2P), not an F2P or MMORPG, and that some cooperative content would be accessible via invite codes. The company added that the BM would focus on character costumes and familiars (mounts), with future plans to sell expansion packs featuring new characters and worlds. Mobile support is not planned; the team is currently prioritizing Steam and Steam Deck support, though they remain open to the possibility of a console release.

Below is the full text of the FAQ posted by Hound13.

Hello, this is Hooon, a manager at Hound13.

First, thank you for the unexpected amount of interest and love you have shown us.

Since we were unable to share detailed information about the game alongside the release announcement, we would like to provide additional details in the form of an FAQ based on questions left on our Discord server and the Steam community.

If you have any further questions about the game beyond what is covered below, please leave them in a thread or on Discord, and we will share all the information we can.

- Game Sales Model (F2P or B2P?)

DragonSword= Awakening is a B2P title, and we are not considering selling monthly subscriptions (passes).

- Is it a gacha game?

All heroes and equipment in DragonSword: Awakening can be obtained through the story and in-game activities.

You can grow your heroes and equipment using currency earned while exploring the world.

- Is it an MMORPG?

It is a single-player RPG where the story and exploration in an open world are the main focus.

- Is only Korean dubbing provided?

Currently, we only support Korean dubbing. We are in the process of reviewing support for additional voice languages in the future.

- How does cooperative play work?

We support cooperative play via invite codes for certain content (subjugation and raids).

- How many players can participate in cooperative play?

We support up to 2 players for subjugation and 3 players for raids.

- Are there region-specific servers for cooperative play?

Since cooperative play is hosted by the room creator, there are no regional restrictions.

It will be provided in the same format as other games that support similar cooperative play; please note that if there is too much latency with the host, gameplay may not be smooth.

- Are there plans to support additional platforms or consoles (PS, Xbox, etc.)?

Currently, only Steam is planned. We are keeping the possibility of a console release open for the future and will share news as soon as possible.

- Is continuous support planned after the game's release?

We plan to address user complaints and suggestions as they are received, and we will continue to release additional stories, characters, monsters, and DLC.

- How will DLC be sold?

We plan to sell character costumes and familiars (mounts).

Expansion packs that allow you to play with new characters and worlds will also be sold in the future.

- Are there plans for mobile support?

We do not plan to support mobile.

- Are there plans for Steam Deck support?

Steam Deck support is currently in preparation. There will be no separate Linux version, but we intend to support play via Proton.

- I need more information about the game.

We will periodically post introductions and videos regarding content and heroes through the Steam community and Discord.

- Is it not a live-service game?

Apart from the service in Korea, Hound13 is preparing to distribute DragonSword: Awakening globally as a single-player package game.

- What has changed from the Korean service?

We will post about the differences from the Korean service through the Steam community and Discord.

We ask for your continued interest and hope you will add the game to your wishlist and join our Discord server to receive the latest news quickly.