Live service games have become a popular genre in the gaming industry, with titles like The First Descendant promising an exciting co-op looter shooter experience. However, one of the major challenges faced by such games is the overwhelming presence of what can be described as “numbers-itis.” This disease refers to the tendency for games to become bogged down by endless numerical progressions, leading to a lackluster and uninspired gameplay experience. In the case of The First Descendant, developer NEXON Games has taken steps to address this issue and create a more engaging endgame for players.
In a recent interview with NEXON Games, creative director Minseok Joo highlighted the importance of motivating players to explore different combat strategies rather than simply focusing on flat progression. The key focus of The First Descendant is to encourage players to experiment with various approaches to combat, rather than mindlessly chasing after DPS and damage numbers. Joo emphasized the inclusion of 19 unique ‘descendant’ characters, 22 ultimate weapons, and over 500 modules as a way to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. By providing a wide range of options for players to customize their experience, the game aims to offer a more dynamic and engaging endgame.
Joo further explained that the endgame content of The First Descendant is designed to shift the focus towards skill-based combat rather than pure numerical progression. Players will be challenged to work together in teams to take down massive bosses, with an emphasis on strategic gameplay and coordinated tactics. The inclusion of interactive elements, such as tearing off weakened parts of a boss by using a grappling hook, showcases the dedication of the developers to create memorable and engaging moments for players. By incorporating these dynamic features into the endgame content, The First Descendant aims to provide a rewarding and skill-based experience for players.
Beyond combat mechanics, The First Descendant also places a strong emphasis on worldbuilding and ongoing player engagement. Joo emphasized that the launch of the game is just the beginning of the story, with plans to regularly update the personal stories of the Descendants and reveal hidden aspects of the game world through new episodes. This approach to content updates and player communication is seen as crucial by producer Beomjun Lee, who stresses the importance of listening to player feedback and incorporating it into the game’s development. By staying open to ongoing communication and feedback, NEXON Games hopes to create a successful live service game that will continue to evolve and grow over time.
Live service games like The First Descendant face unique challenges in maintaining player engagement and avoiding the pitfalls of numbers-itis. By focusing on dynamic combat progression, skill-based endgame content, and ongoing worldbuilding updates, NEXON Games aims to create a compelling and immersive experience for players. As the game launches and players begin to explore its world and mechanics, it will be interesting to see how well it lives up to its promises and whether it can truly stand out in the competitive live service gaming market.
Leave a Reply