NCSOFT's popular PC-based Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), 'Guild Wars', marked its 20th anniversary on April 28th.
Upon its release in 2005, 'Guild Wars' introduced an unconventional business model that broke away from the standard monthly subscription fees, opening up new possibilities in the MMORPG market. The game has maintained a loyal user base, establishing itself as a long-standing global intellectual property (IP). Recently, it further cemented its presence with the release of the '20th Anniversary Masterpiece Collection'.
In the current gaming industry, there is a noticeable trend of reimagining classic and beloved IPs. Titles such as Blade & Soul NEO, Mabinogi Mobile, and RF Online Next are examples of nostalgia-driven legacy game reinterpretations that have become a major trend. Similarly, Guild Wars continues to captivate players by appealing to their nostalgia with its well-developed world and characters. It is hailed as a model case for successfully expanding its IP with the sequel, 'Guild Wars 2', while maintaining the original service.
The fact that Guild Wars remains actively played today adds to its significance. The gaming community remains vibrant, with returning users often bringing new players along. In an interview with foreign media, Guild Wars Game Director Steven Clarke Wilson noted, "There is a virtuous cycle where returning players bring their friends, leading to an influx of new users." With the recent launch of the '20th Anniversary Masterpiece Collection', the game is expected to attract even more players.
NCSOFT has observed a consistent demand for MMORPGs in the global market through their ongoing services for the Guild Wars series and Throne and Liberty. The insights gained from the sustained global service of Guild Wars regarding user characteristics and play styles serve as valuable assets for devising global strategies for other games.
NCSOFT is also preparing for the global launch of one of this year's most anticipated titles, 'Aion 2'. Both Aion and Guild Wars share a strategic approach of preserving their original games while incorporating new innovations to expand their IPs. The experience accumulated through the service of Guild Wars is expected to play a crucial role in the global strategy for Aion 2.
