Source: KRAFTON

'MIMESIS,' a 4-player cooperative horror game developed by KRAFTON subsidiary RELU Games, has launched its first major update. Based on user feedback, this update improves the player experience by refining the AI monster's decision-making system, restructuring game progression, and expanding content.

RELU Games has applied a large-scale patch to enhance the systems of 'MIMESIS.' The changes focus on refining the behavior of AI-based NPCs and completely overhauling the game's progression structure to increase the level of polish players experience.

'MIMESIS' is a cooperative horror title that centers its core gameplay around artificial intelligence technology. The in-game AI monsters learn from players' real-time voice and movement to infiltrate their ranks and build tension, acting as a core design element rather than a simple system aid.

This update incorporates a careful analysis of user feedback gathered during the Early Access period. It includes advancements to the AI system and comprehensive content expansions, such as new maps and equipment. The developer plans to continue strengthening the competitive edge of 'MIMESIS' starting with this patch.

Details regarding the AI-based NPC enhancements and structural changes are as follows.

First, the decision-making system for the AI-based monster, 'Mimesis,' has been refined. Unlike enemies in traditional cooperative horror games that repeat pre-programmed behavior patterns, this monster learns from the voice and actions exchanged during gameplay and reacts by perceiving the surrounding situation.

The timing and methods used to approach players have also become more natural and varied. Additionally, individual traits have been added so that each AI NPC exhibits distinct behaviors. As a result, players face monsters that attempt to deceive them in new ways each time, rather than relying on fixed patterns.

The game's progression structure has also been reorganized. The previous three-day cycle structure has been made more flexible, and the overall difficulty has been adjusted. The new design helps players adapt naturally in the early stages while ramping up tension as the game progresses.

The key is to reduce predictability. By moving away from a system where players could memorize enemy movements through repetition, the game lowers the barrier to entry for new users while requiring experienced players to make new judgments and responses in every session.

Content areas, including maps, monsters, and equipment, have also been expanded.

The scale of the maps has increased. The factory, subway station, and mansion dungeon have received additional interior layouts, and outdoor areas have been redesigned with new movement paths and placements. This allows users to plan their routes and explore resources in more diverse environments.

Content has also been enriched. New monsters and environmental objects have been added, and key equipment now features performance-enhancing functions. Players can even throw resources, broadening the range of available strategies.

The spectator mode has also been updated. Even after being eliminated, players can possess the monster that threatened them and communicate with their surviving teammates, a feature designed to maintain tension and engagement.

Kim Min-jung, CEO of RELU Games, stated, "'MIMESIS' is an IP that proves AI can be more than just a tool to assist in development; it can be an element that innovates the gameplay experience itself and creates fundamental fun. With this update, AI has entered a stage where it is changing the very grammar of the cooperative horror genre."

She added, "Building on our accumulated technical development capabilities and planning expertise, we will continue our bold challenge of combining AI and gaming to consistently deliver differentiated play experiences."

Meanwhile, 'MIMESIS' surpassed 1 million units in global cumulative sales just 50 days after its Early Access launch last October. On the 5th, it became the first Korean game to receive an Excellence Award in the Game Design category at the 'CEDEC Awards 2026,' Japan's largest game developer conference, in recognition of its planning and technical prowess in integrating AI into game development.

Detailed information about the update can be found on the official website, the Steam page, and through the trailer.