Daum Games to release blockbuster ‘Black Desert’

Daum Games said Tuesday that together with its developing partner Pearl Abyss, it will launch the long-awaited massively multiplayer online role-playing game “Black Desert” on Dec. 17.

After developing what many expect to be a blockbuster PC MMORPG for more than four years, Daum Games and Pearl Abyss said they are putting the finishing touches on the game to make its fantasy world and characters more realistic.

Their priority is to provide new gaming experiences to players in Korea by making sure the game’s network servers are operating stably.

Daum Games said its parent Daum Kakao will support the game by offering human resources to ensure networks do not face any glitches or failure while users play the epic adventure. Over 100 staff from Pearl Abyss and 200 from Daum Games have zeroed in on making “Black Desert,” which allows users to play characters, and roam and fight freely in three surreal regions.

Daum Games is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daum Kakao, the operator of Korea’s biggest mobile messenger KakaoTalk. Pearl Abyss was founded by chief executive Kim Dae-il, who is famous for creating fantasy medieval MMORPG games, such as “Risk Your Life” and “Reign of Revolution,” with cinematic quality.

They said they aim to launch the game in the U.S. and Europe next year.

“We are currently doing a lot of market research to launch the game overseas,” Daum Games CEO Sean Hong told reporters at a media event in Seoul.

“Of course, our priority right now is to successfully launch the game in Korea. As strategic partners, Daum Games and Pearl Abyss will work together to release the game in North America and Europe.”

Daum Games, which owns the right to publish Pearl Abyss’ game in North America and Europe, said it could seek a regional partner or establish a unit in those countries to release the game.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)