CookieRun Meets India, Black Desert Exits China, and More

CookieRun India Launches on December 11

The eagerly awaited game, CookieRun India, is set to officially launch its local services on December 11. This game is developed by DEVSISTERS‘ Studio Kingdom, a subsidiary focused on content development, with Krafton taking charge of local service and marketing efforts.

Based on the original CookieRun, which debuted in 2013, CookieRun India is tailored specifically for the Indian gaming market. Krafton has a proven track record in this region, having achieved significant success with Battlegrounds Mobile India. The collaboration with DEVSISTERS aims to leverage this expertise in crafting a unique gaming experience tailored for Indian audiences.

DEVSISTERS emphasizes that CookieRun India will introduce greater character depth, collection and growth mechanics, and social competition elements, surpassing the existing casual games in the market. The game will also feature locally inspired content, including original cookies, maps, and background music, enhancing its appeal. Recognizing the Indian gamers’ preference for competitive play, new modes and revamped ranking systems will be implemented. Additionally, CookieRun India plans to engage with users through social channels as well as at industry events like the Indian Game Developer Conference in Hyderabad.

Pearl Abyss Announces Closure of Black Desert Mobile in China

Pearl Abyss has announced the closure of Black Desert Mobile services in China, set for January 27, 2025, after approximately three years of operation. The company confirmed this decision on November 27, citing a mutual agreement with Tencent, the game’s publisher in the region.

Despite receiving a publishing contract that included a substantial advance payment of approximately 36.7 billion KRW, the game struggled to retain users after launch. Initially, Black Desert Mobile successfully debuted in the Chinese market in 2022 after securing a gaming license. Despite peak popularity rankings on platforms like the Apple App Store and TapTap, the player base saw a sharp decline over time.

In contrast, Pearl Abyss will focus its efforts on the local service for Black Desert Online in China, which, having received its gaming license in June 2024, operates under the management of Tencent. The PC version reportedly maintains a favorable user rating, with the development team dedicated to a meticulous approach to user expansion.

Tales Runner RPG Offers Pre-Registration Service

Blomics, a newly established game company, is set to launch a pre-registration service for its new mobile game, Tales Runner RPG, in collaboration with Raon Entertainment. The pre-registration phase begins on November 27th and will last until the official launch on December 5.

This pre-registration offers players a chance to experience gameplay identical to the upcoming official release, aimed at ensuring system stability prior to launch. Tales Runner RPG is based on the popular IP with 36 million registered users, combining beloved characters with a whimsical universe.

The game introduces various combat modes, including the nostalgic Chaos Boss Raid, as well as lifestyle content like farming and fishing. A distinctive Author Skill System and Rapid Turn fighting mechanism highlight the gameplay’s uniqueness.

Netmarble Expands Mobile RPG Portfolio with King Arthur: Legend Rises

Netmarble, in collaboration with its subsidiary Kabam, is set to launch the highly anticipated mobile RPG King Arthur: Legend Rise on November 27. This collectible turn-based RPG draws inspiration from the legendary tales of King Arthur, featuring over 60 collectible characters and 5v5 deck battles.

Netmarble aims to strengthen its RPG portfolio, building on the legacy of its flagship title, Seven Knights, which has been a cornerstone of the company for nearly a decade. Amidst a stagnant market for recent titles in this genre, the success of King Arthur is being closely monitored.

The strategy behind the game revolves around leveraging well-known intellectual property enhancing the gaming experience with cinematic battle representations to immerse players deeply into the world. Netmarble’s commitment to transmedia strategies has previously yielded favorable results, as seen with the success of another title, Solo Leveling: Arise, which contributed significantly to the company’s revenue.