Posted by ESTgames, under the leadership of Kim Jang-Joong, Chairman of ESTsoft, is gearing up for a new phase of growth, focusing on their popular intellectual property (IP), Cabal. After stepping down in 2015 due to health issues, Mr. Kim has returned as CEO of ESTgames, marking a shift towards revitalizing their flagship MMORPG, Cabal Online.
According to industry reports, ESTgames plans to update Cabal Online for the first time in nine years by changing its subtitle. The game, originally launched in 2005, has carried the subtitle Transcendence since a major update in 2015. With Mr. Kim’s return, the game will now be renamed Cabal Online: Eternal. This has sparked excitement, with many anticipating potential new content. The company recently re-applied for a rating classification and retained its 18+ rating, suggesting that changes may extend beyond just the name. However, an ESTgames representative clarified that no major overhaul is planned, and the game’s core system will stay intact.
To further strengthen the Cabal franchise, ESTgames is preparing a large-scale event later this year to celebrate the game’s 19th anniversary, aiming to grow its player base.
Additionally, development is accelerating on the next installment in the Cabal series, Cabal Red. Built using Unreal Engine, the new game will showcase realistic graphics and is expected to launch on multiple platforms, including mobile, PC, and consoles. While details remain limited, the game is planned for a global release, with special focus on markets such as South Korea and Thailand.
Mr. Kim Jang-Joong’s return is seen as a key move to stabilize ESTgames, which has faced financial struggles, including a ₩500 million loss last year. By focusing on Cabal, Mr. Kim is aiming to leverage the game’s loyal fanbase, opting for a safer strategy rather than taking risks with new IPs. In a recent board meeting, Mr. Kim reportedly expressed his ambition to elevate Cabal into a global IP.
However, challenges remain. While Cabal Online has had long-lasting success, its appeal has diminished over the years, and the 18+ rating limits its growth potential. The future of ESTgames’ strategy will likely depend on the success of Cabal Red and its ability to capture both new and existing audiences.
Industry experts suggest that the quality and reception of the upcoming release will play a crucial role in determining the success of ESTgames’ IP-focused growth plan.
Source: Seoul Economic Daily
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