Wemade's 'Night Crow' has reached its 3rd anniversary. While three years may not be a very long time in the context of online gaming, market trends have changed rapidly during that period. Mobile MMORPGs, which once dominated the market, have stepped down from the throne, and open-world action RPGs have quickly filled the void.

Of course, the glory of open-world action RPGs was not eternal either. Now that its brief heyday has passed, the market has shifted from one specific genre sweeping the entire market to a fierce battle where numerous genres are solidifying their respective territories. Having endured that intense time and competition, 'Night Crow' is now looking ahead. It is preparing for a resurgence, going beyond mere survival. In a situation where market trends change in an instant, we met with Mad Engine PD Yang Hong-seok to discuss in-depth what 'Night Crow' is preparing, ranging from past achievements to future plans. ▲ Mad Engine 'Night Crow' PD Yang Hong-seok What is the future envisioned by 'Night Crow' as it celebrates its 3rd anniversary? 'Night Crow' has already reached its 3rd anniversary. Please briefly introduce your achievements to date. It feels like the past three years have passed by incredibly quickly. Looking back, every moment has been a continuous challenge for us to overcome technical limitations, and I am deeply moved to see the fruits of those efforts reaching users not only in Korea but across the globe. First, in Korea, we changed the landscape of the market by setting records immediately after our launch in 2023, securing the number one spot in sales on both major app stores and surpassing 200 billion won in cumulative revenue within just seven months. This confidence gained domestically carried over to the global market. In March 2024, following a simultaneous launch in over 170 countries, we recorded $10 million in revenue and surpassed 450,000 peak concurrent users in just three days, proving that 'Night Crow' is a powerful IP capable of succeeding on the global stage. These achievements, continuing both domestically and internationally... Based on this, 'Night Crow' was able to achieve a record-breaking cumulative revenue of 750 billion won.

Of course, while we are pleased with the numerical results, what we are most proud of is that we broke the limits of visual experience by being the first domestic mobile MMORPG to adopt Unreal Engine 5. The past three years, during which our technical persistence satisfied the high standards of our domestic members and proved that it could become a global standard, remain a source of great pride for all of us.

The popularity of mobile MMORPGs has declined significantly in recent years. What do you think is the reason for this?

"I believe it is the result of users' expectations rising that much higher, rather than the market situation changing.

To be honest, over the years, many MMORPGs have had similar monetization structures or It is true that we have been complacent for too long with familiar formulas, such as competition centered on auto-hunting. As a result, users have come to feel a sense of fatigue, feeling as though they have seen the same thing somewhere before, even when playing a new game. Now, rather than the simple fun of increasing numbers, users desire authentic gameplay where their choices and controls have a tangible impact on the game. Furthermore, as various genres offering short, intense fun grow in popularity, MMORPGs are now forced to compete more fiercely to capture users' time. I view this current trend as an important signal that the MMORPG genre must return to its fundamental essence. 'Night Crow' is also breaking away from past inertia and is intensely contemplating how to once again provide users with the joy of direct control and strategic thinking. Introducing a new combat style through the Gauntlet class in this 3rd anniversary update is precisely the beginning of such deliberation. I am curious about the secret behind 'Night Crow' being loved for such a long time. The most crucial secret is that we captured the promised visuals exactly as they appeared in the pre-launch promotional videos in the actual game. Usually, pre-launch promotional videos are flashy, but the actual game quality often falls short, leading to disappointment. However, we fully realized the overwhelming visuals shown with Unreal Engine 5 into the in-game quality that our members play with. What we are particularly proud of is the fact that even now, three years after launch, 'Night Crow's' graphics still hold an unrivaled advantage over the latest competitors. We have proven that technical gap through the actual gameplay footage that members encounter every day, rather than just the staging in videos, and we believe this has been the greatest strength in providing our members with an unchanging sense of immersion. We wanted to add sincerity to our service as well. Even if it is not perfect We have strived to uphold the principle of quickly reflecting the voices of our members, communicating honestly when issues arise, and building the game together. Finally, thanks to our precise analysis and preparation for the needs of the global market, we were able to establish ourselves as a globally beloved IP. It seems that 'Night Crow' needs to continue evolving and developing in the future. What are your thoughts on this? I believe it is now time to further refine the vast content and systems we have built over the past three years and enhance their value. Rather than simply adding new elements, we intend to focus on increasing the intensity of every moment our members play. The first step is the redesign of the value of content and rewards. As time passes and the growth stages of our members change, the sense of accomplishment provided by each piece of content must be redesigned accordingly. Our goal is to boldly revamp rewards that have become too familiar or content with weakened motivation to complete a virtuous cycle where players can clearly feel what they are gaining and how they are growing through gameplay. The second objective is to enhance the inherent enjoyment of gameplay. We plan to consistently deliver the sensation that the play itself is fun, whether by enhancing manual control elements, bringing out the fun of conquering party dungeons, or strengthening personalized content that allows for immersion even when playing alone. The third objective is to strengthen the community. We intend to create opportunities for members to laugh and chat more freely within the game by providing spaces like guild hideouts where they can communicate comfortably, or by adding guild-based content. We believe that when enjoyable content operates organically on a healthy reward system, the lifespan of the game is extended. Starting with the 3rd anniversary, we will show you how 'Night Crow' evolves into a more solid and substantial game. It appears there are plans to gradually add manual control elements, such as regarding the gauntlet class. It seems like it might not fit well with the existing auto-hunting system. We intend to continue attempts to partially incorporate manual control elements. This does not mean the main direction is changing; it is simply a method of utilizing them at appropriate points for game strategy and enjoyment. Just like the Guild Dungeon Antimene or Party Dungeons previously, it is a form where manual control naturally blends in to suit the nature of the content. How has the reaction been so far? It seems that our members are actively researching the operation of the Gauntlet class in various ways. Top-ranked players are also actively trying out different strategies by switching classes. We are also closely monitoring the reactions. We plan to release patches quickly to ensure greater satisfaction for our members and to allow them to properly experience the unique characteristics of the Gauntlet. There is a return to the traditional MMORPG style, shifting from gacha mechanics and auto-hunting to in-game play and manual hunting. What are your thoughts on this? Rather than a simple regression, I view this as a process of the mobile MMORPG genre maturing to the next level. To be honest, it is true that the genre as a whole has focused too heavily on standardized system progression under the guise of convenience. Since the essential joy of gameplay—feeling from users' direct deliberation and involvement—has been diluted in the process, I believe now is the time for deep reflection on this aspect as a developer. However, modern users are a very smart consumer base that simultaneously seeks the efficiency of growth and the sense of accomplishment from direct control. Therefore, the current trend is not about returning to the past, but rather demanding a new balance between the convenience of auto-hunting and the agency provided by manual control. Ultimately, the key to the future lies in the user's I believe it depends on how much intense enjoyment in control can be provided at the decisive moments that determine victory or defeat, without disrupting daily life. We at 'Night Crow' are also listening to these voices from the market, and we are intensely contemplating how to reinterpret and deliver the experience of becoming the protagonist and taking the lead, rather than simply watching the game. If users want it, could manual control content be added to 'Night Crow'? The possibility is certainly open. However, I believe it is more important to incorporate it into 'Night Crow's' unique style rather than simply following trends. In fact, from the very beginning of its launch, 'Night Crow' has been a game where the judgment and involvement of our members were crucial. This is because aerial combat utilizing gliders or large-scale battlefields involving thousands are not determined solely by numbers; victory or defeat can change completely depending on when and how the players manipulate and respond. We have already been providing service while considering the value of such manipulation as one of the core elements of the genre. We are also positively considering introducing content that further emphasizes the fun of manual control, and we are discussing various approaches internally. However, we believe that even if we introduce this, it must be done in an organic manner that does not disrupt the unique worldview of 'Night Crow' or the flow of existing content. If the direction the players want is clear, there is no reason for us not to reflect it. This is because the voices of our members are the primary criterion we consider when designing new content, as well as our most precious inspiration. 3rd Anniversary Update: Not Just a Simple Event, but the Beginning of a Leap Forward What is the core of this 3rd Anniversary Update? The keywords for this 3rd Anniversary Update are the beginning of a new adventure and an expanded growth experience offered to our members. First, through the new field Talathion, a level that is visually and narratively a step higher We aimed to provide a sense of immersion. This is not merely a space for completing quests, but a stage where the new story of Ludwig and his party unfolds as they thwart the Elomet Order's conspiracy. Through new environments and visuals that showcase the pinnacle of Unreal Engine 5, our members will be able to once again feel the sensation of embarking on a true adventure. In particular, the new Coif armor obtainable in Tallacion aligns with the aforementioned reordering of rewards. It was designed to allow players to tangibly experience the fun of new challenges leading to definite growth. The new Gauntlet class, to which we put the most effort, symbolizes the value of control we pursue. It offers a solid sense of impact and allows players to enjoy completely different combat styles by switching stances within a single character. This is the result of maximizing the joy of players making direct choices and intervening according to the battlefield situation. Finally, we have also prepared a new server for members who wish to enjoy fierce competition once again in a new environment. This update is not merely about quantitative expansion, but about providing a high-quality gameplay experience where members can feel a sense of accomplishment in their own way. We have concentrated all our capabilities on providing this. Usually, a 3rd anniversary often ends with a one-off event, but 'Night Crow' has prepared a large-scale update. We are curious about the special reason for doing so. For us, three years is not just a number, but a time of trust built together with our members. The only reason 'Night Crow' exists today is thanks to the members who have steadfastly stayed by our side. That is why we did not want this 3rd anniversary to end simply as a celebratory party. While one-off rewards are important, we believed that the most sincere way to repay you is to present you with a wider world where you can continue to happily immerse yourself. One-time events are forgotten over time, but the newly opened fields and classes, along with the refined growth system, will continue to add new fun to your daily lives. We will continue to meet your expectations by providing a game where you can constantly discover new goals and joys whenever you log in, rather than a service that shines brightly only at specific times. We would appreciate it if you viewed this update as a testament to our commitment to keeping that promise and as the starting line for the next three years. From new and returning users to user evaluations of the update, how is the reaction to the update? Since the update, we have been feeling positive energy beyond expectations, not only in in-game metrics but also in the reactions of our members. What is most encouraging is the noticeable increase in the influx of new and returning members. Immediately after the 3rd Anniversary update, the number of new members visiting 'Night Crow' increased by over 800% compared to the previous week. In particular, a large number of people gathered on the newly opened server, Philippus, creating a lively atmosphere. Thanks to exceptional events and generous rewards, there is a definite sense of fun in growing rapidly, There are many. We are all gaining great encouragement from the continuing feedback that the visuals of the new field, Talathion, and the exhilarating combat style of the new class, Gauntlet. We are currently monitoring relevant metrics in real-time and closely analyzing the play patterns of our members. We plan to continuously improve the game's quality so that the enjoyment our members experience can last in the long term, rather than simply resting on numerical success. A new class, Gauntlet, has been added. Please explain what kind of class it is and what differentiates it from existing classes. The biggest difference for Gauntlet is that it goes beyond mere visual style; it is a hybrid melee class where the very grammar of combat changes depending on tactical choices made within a single class. It is designed not merely to change a few skills, but to transform the very role on the battlefield by switching stances according to the situation. First, the Taishan Stance, true to its name, is a style that gains the upper hand as the battle drags on, based on unwavering solidity. It utilizes the new status effect, Shatter, which increases the survivability of yourself and your allies while simultaneously breaking down the enemy's defenses. It will be an attractive option for members who prefer a heavy playstyle that leads the battle stably and gradually pressures the opponent. On the other hand, the Flowing Water Stance is an aggressive style that penetrates enemy lines unhindered like flowing water. It is specialized in creating instantaneous variables, such as approaching targets while ignoring collisions and gaining crowd control (CC) immunity or stealing opponents' shields. In particular, the sealing effect, which blocks the enemy's means of survival, exerts powerful force in small-scale skirmishes or assassination-oriented gameplay. In conclusion, depending on how you read the battlefield, the Gauntlet is a class that can be a shield pushing forward like a tank or a sharp awl. I am confident that this tactical depth will provide a new experience to members who prefer strategic fun distinct from existing classes. Is this also related to manual controls? You may certainly feel that way. However, once you experience the actual gameplay, you will immediately feel that the structure is designed with depth and the controls with intuitiveness. While past MMORPGs divided roles through complex skill trees or trait systems, Gauntlets have compressed this into a single intuitive button called "Stance Switching." It is a system where you do not need to study complex formulas or settings; simply select the role you will play according to the battlefield situation, and the system will instantly provide the optimal environment for you. If the previously introduced Cannon class diversified combat styles as a damage dealer through tactical transformation, Gauntlets have gone a step further to implement the fun of switching the entire role group depending on the situation. This is not simply to make controls difficult, but is the result of careful consideration to provide our members with the joy of strategic judgment. The direction Night Crow has pursued While maintaining the grammar of convenience, you will be able to feel the thrill of shaking up the battlefield with your choices at decisive moments much more intensely. On a side note, a fighter-style Rune Fighter was recently added to 'Legend of Ymir' as well. Did you share anything in common? Not at all (laughs). We also find it fascinating that classes of similar styles were added around the same time by chance. The two games are completely independent projects with different development entities, and they are building their content independently according to their respective worldviews and planning directions. However, as creators of games in the same genre, we were intensely contemplating what new action fun users are currently craving, so I think the process of finding that answer may have coincided at a similar time. We believe this is the result of each developer interpreting the market trend of seeking a heavy sense of impact and the finesse of control in their own way. The gauntlets of the 'Night Crow' focused on implementing tactical depth through our unique stance switching system. Please view this as a kind of pleasant coincidence and an interesting phenomenon demonstrating just how high the members' expectations were for combat-oriented classes. Philippus has been added as a long-term independent server. It seems like a measure intended for new and returning users who might struggle amidst the incumbent players. What has the reaction been like so far? The atmosphere has been much hotter and more vibrant than expected. The greatest appeal of the new server, Philippus, lies in the fairness that allows all members to start a new history from the same starting line. New and returning members, who felt burdened by the high walls of existing servers, are settling in quickly by competing and cooperating with peers at similar growth stages. In fact, looking at the metrics, positive evaluations are dominant, with players reporting an overwhelming sense of growth in a short period, coupled with exceptional growth support events. We view this as a very significant result in that it provided an environment where players could intensely enjoy the essence of growth and PvP—the core fun of 'Night Crow'—from the very beginning, rather than simply serving as a refuge to avoid existing users. We plan to continue providing meticulous operation and support so that our members are not marginalized and can fully sustain and grow within an independent ecosystem. A one-year period of independence is exceptionally long compared to existing servers; we are curious about the reason for this decision. We would also like to hear if there are any plans to open the server sooner if users desire. The gap with the existing ecosystem created as the service celebrates its 3rd anniversary is difficult to bridge with simple rewards alone. We determined that a period of maturity is absolutely necessary for Philippus members to fully enjoy their inherent sense of accomplishment without external interference, allowing their own community and competitive landscape to solidify. In this sense, the minimum one-year period we promised can be considered the last line of defense for stability that protects the growth of our members. As hasty server consolidation could undermine the value of the efforts Philippus members have built, we are currently not considering shortening the promised period of independence. Instead, we plan to manage the server meticulously over the course of one year to ensure Philippus becomes a dynamic world in its own right. We will enrich the internal experience by activating group-based competition within the Philippus server and implementing operations tailored to the server's growth stage and environment. At the same time, for those who wish to advance to a wider battlefield after achieving sufficient self-sufficiency, we will also implement flexible countermeasures that respect members' choices, such as limited server transfers allowing them to join existing servers from Philippus. By providing services best suited to each server's environment and members' growth speeds, we will do our utmost to ensure that the unique fun of 'Night Crow' continues everywhere. It appears that follow-up updates are also being prepared. Aside from the new battleground, please introduce any other roadmap you are currently preparing. This 3rd Anniversary Update is merely the starting point for a new leap forward. Moving forward, we plan to focus not only on new battlegrounds that can continuously satisfy our members' desire for growth, but also on strengthening the communal fun that is the essence of MMORPGs. As part of this effort, we are preparing Social Motions and Guild Hideouts. We aim to go beyond simply adding character animations or providing spaces; we intend to complete a sense of belonging where members can share emotions more richly and solidify guild-level bonds. You will soon be able to experience a more multi-dimensional social experience where you celebrate victory with comrades at the Hideout after fierce battles and strategize for the next move. Along with this, we are sequentially preparing large-scale content designed to maximize the tension of combat and the fun of cooperation. Our goal is not simply to increase the quantity of content It is not about increasing the number of items, but about expanding the depth of the experience felt throughout the gameplay. We will inform the members of the specific schedule and details as soon as they are finalized. We will move forward without stopping so that members can always discover new goals and feel the unique pride of 'Night Crow' in the process.