NC's new title 'Cinder City' will be sold as a buy-to-play package and launch first on PC. Daniel Lafuente, Director of Operations at NC America, revealed the business model and launch timeline by platform in an interview with Wccftech published on the 8th.
Director Lafuente explained that the game adopts a buy-to-play model and will not be offered as free-to-play. The specific retail price was not disclosed. Post-launch, an in-game store selling cosmetic items will operate alongside a battle pass.
Cosmetic elements include skins, accessories, and weapon charms. BigFire Games CEO Jae-hyun Bae, who was present in the same interview, explained that these elements are solely for modifying appearance and do not affect character performance.
For live-service updates, the team plans to add new story content, connected missions, and co-op dungeons. When asked about paid expansions, Director Lafuente answered that they are currently focused on launch preparations and have not yet discussed expansions.
The initial release will be the official launch on PC. When asked whether it would be an Early Access release, Director Lafuente answered that it would be a full release, adding that console versions will be introduced later. Whether cross-play between PC and console players will be supported remains undecided.
'Cinder City' is an open-world shooter currently being developed by BigFire Games, a subsidiary under NC. Formerly known by its development title 'LLL', the game is set in a sci-fi alternate history universe where 23rd-century futuristic technology coexists with a ruined Seoul. It features narrative-driven missions alongside co-op PvE content.
Following the pre-alpha in North America, testing is planned to expand to Europe and Latin America. The alpha test is targeted for Q4 2026, followed by a beta test. The specific official launch date for PC and the launch timing for console versions were not disclosed in this interview.
