A: The entire development team spent a great deal of time reflecting on where we missed the mark and how to fundamentally quench the thirst of our adventurers (players). We eventually concluded that our top priority was to restore the essence of an MMORPG—the primal joy derived from growth and farming.

A: We believed we needed to establish structural trust, where the time and effort invested by players wouldn't feel betrayed and would lead to intuitive growth. To that end, we overhauled the play and combat environment in December 2025, followed by a core structural reform of our progression systems this past March.

We relocated four growth elements previously reliant on monetization (Spirits, Mounts, Weapon Appearances, and Dream Stones) to field farming and content rewards. We also stripped out the summon items that aggressively pushed for excessive spending from the in-game shop.

A: What we mean by 'play equals growth' in Arthdal Chronicles isn't just a text-based increase in XP. It signifies a virtuous cycle where the time and effort spent in field farming, dungeon clearing, boss raids, and competitive play are directly converted into the essential rewards required for progression.

MMORPGs are built on the fun of growing through play. While monetization often influences the speed of that growth in many titles, we are focusing on creating an environment where effort leads naturally to achievement.

A: We’ve designed farming rewards to be cumulative through consistent play, rather than just relying on sheer luck, by implementing daily acquisition caps. The growth speed will feel slightly faster than on existing servers, though we will continue to fine-tune rates to ensure the overall balance remains intact.

A: Based on 28 days of play, we observed an average of 1,876 tickets per person, with a maximum of 3,360. Since Tae-go accessories were previously heavily tied to monetization, our focus was on creating in-game sources for them. Based on current drop rates, we estimate that a set of four +5 Tae-go accessories can be completed within about a month.

A: Previously, the heavy reliance on RNG meant that steady play didn't always yield a sense of progress. We’ve bolstered content that rewards persistence, such as Invasions and Trial Dungeons, where rewards accumulate with every session.

A: We’ve distributed growth rewards across various avenues like hunting, invasions, trial dungeons, and party dungeons. We also plan to introduce features like skip functions and schedule systems to streamline repetitive tasks.

A: Surprisingly, there wasn't much resistance. We were all looking at the state of Arthdal Chronicles with cold, hard honesty and shared a consensus that a major overhaul was necessary. The real challenge was in the meticulous design of an environment where players could fully enjoy the fun of growing without stress.

We are overhauling the economic foundation and growth structure of a live game with a massive user base; even a single mistake could lead to a critical operational risk. We spent a lot of time stress-testing variables and validating balance to ensure the new fun would stick.

A: Yes. It's about reducing the frustration and feelings of futility that come with cumulative failures in RNG-based growth. We want to eliminate the experience of making no progress despite repeated attempts by providing a safety net that guarantees a step forward after a certain number of tries.

A: We view restoration as part of the 'play equals growth' philosophy. Instead of a blanket restoration of predetermined items, we wanted players to choose what they need, allowing them to use resources earned through gameplay more meaningfully. Because this widens the scope, we prioritized verification processes like checking account history and preventing duplicate restorations.

A: While we aimed for MMORPG-style fun through faction competition and cooperation, it often led to power imbalances or forced players into specific experiences based on their faction choice. It also added unnecessary complexity. While some missed the faction identity at the time, many provided positive feedback regarding the reduction in fatigue and restrictive barriers. We believe this has created a freer play environment.

A: It’s about shifting the paradigm of growth to 'play.' Our most intense deliberation was balancing 'value preservation' with a 'sustainable growth structure.' We didn’t just want to remove items; we adjusted acquisition paths and supply volumes so that players could grow sufficiently through gameplay. We are protecting the assets and standing of existing adventurers while creating a buffer for new users to reach top-tier content through diligent play.

A:These operate on 3- to 4-week seasons, offering convenience perks that make gameplay smoother and providing additional rewards for playing. While the schedule and composition may change, we will maintain the focus on supporting consistent play rather than widening the power gap.

A: We can't rule it out entirely. However, 'play equals growth' remains our priority, and we will avoid products that widen power gaps or devalue gameplay. If we add products, they will focus on convenience or optional benefits to ensure that growth through play remains the core experience.

A: Play rewards and paid products don't compete; they serve different roles. Core growth elements are obtained through play, while passes and subscriptions serve to enhance convenience or the density of the play experience.

A: We are well aware that this impacts revenue. But creating an environment where people can enjoy the game for a long time is more important. If more people enjoy the game consistently, it will have a positive effect on service stability and sustainability in the long run. We plan to operate focusing on passes, subscriptions, and cosmetic items that support the growth experience.

A: It’s difficult to say whether it will expand to other titles. This BM reform was prepared specifically for the service direction of Arthdal Chronicles and the New World environment. However, increasing the value of play and creating a structure where players can stick around is something we view as crucial. If this structure is positively validated through New World, the results and experience could be referenced in various ways in the future.

A: Whether players feel they are growing through play and if that experience leads to sustained motivation. We will closely monitor feedback, retention rates for new and returning users, and content usage rates. We will use this data to drive actual improvements.

A: The retention flow and settlement rate of new and returning adventurers were key. We watched how consistently they logged in and used content when we lowered the reliance on bundles and bolstered play-based growth. The positive results in retention and play consistency gave us the confidence to proceed.

A: Invasions and Trial Dungeons are great for acquiring growth resources, so we recommend steady participation. Our growth guides will also help players settle in by providing necessary rewards. Since New World is designed so that play itself equals growth, we recommend enjoying the journey across various content rather than rushing to catch up.

A: The ultimate direction is the same. Our goal is for both to move in the same direction at a pace suited to each server's situation. New World allows for a faster experience of the new growth structure, while existing servers will maintain stability and apply validated systems sequentially.

Specifically, we will prioritize easing the burden on existing servers by applying the Synthesis/Awakening care systems, improving resource supply, and boosting content rewards, all while monitoring market prices to prevent any sudden devaluation of items.

A: New World doesn't just hand out rewards; it converts growth elements previously tied to paid items into farming rewards. Most rewards are bound, and tradeable quantities are strictly limited. We will manage the supply to prevent market crashes and continuously monitor the economy to make adjustments as needed.

A: It’s not just about revenue; it’s a barrier to entry to ensure a healthy trading environment. Since the economy is a major part of the New World experience, we need to ensure it remains stable and secure from the start.