NC, the Korean publisher formerly known as NCSOFT, has opened sign-ups for a 72-hour Steam Playtest of its upcoming title TIME TAKERS.

The test begins on Friday, September 4th at 10 AM PT and closes on Monday, September 7th at 10 AM PT. Players can request access through the TIME TAKERS Steam page, and anyone granted entry is free to play at any point during the window. Pre-downloads go live on Steam on September 3rd.

According to a release, this playtest widens the number of regions able to take part compared to previous tests. Players who took part in the game's most recent Closed Beta Test will receive access automatically, without needing to apply again.

According to the release, the build also carries a series of changes made in response to feedback from earlier tests, covering game systems, onboarding, matchmaking and balance.

The listed updates are:

• App system revamp
• Visual updates for characters
• Colourblind mode support
• Training field added
• Upgraded tutorial
• Pod system revamp
• Matchmaking and game balance improvements

NC's push outside Korea

TIME TAKERS is being handled in the west by NC America, the publisher's Irvine, California-based western arm. The division oversees live production and publishing for selected NC titles across North America, South America, Europe and Oceania, and according to the release, it intends to expand that slate and bring third-party titles to the global market in the future.

The parent company, headquartered in Pangyo, South Korea, was founded in 1997 and is best known for the Lineage, AION, Blade & Soul and Guild Wars franchises. Alongside its Korean base, NC operates offices in North America, Europe, Japan and Taiwan.

Repeated public playtests have become a common route for publishers building a competitive playerbase ahead of launch, allowing balance and matchmaking issues to be identified before a title goes live. NC has not yet confirmed a release date for TIME TAKERS.