[GAMETOC] Chrono Odyssey: Could This Be the “Korean WoW” We’ve Been Waiting For?

Kakao Games is expected to gradually release new information on Chrono Odyssey.
Chrono Odyssey is an open-world MMORPG currently being developed by Chrono Studio, a subsidiary of NPIXEL, for PC and console platforms. With no new Korean PC MMORPGs released since NCSoft’s Throne and Liberty, Chrono Odyssey is drawing significant attention thanks to its stunning graphics and cinematic presentation.

The recent announcement that development for the mobile version has been scrapped further raised expectations. Mobile MMORPGs are often built with aggressive monetization systems, so the decision to focus solely on PC and console is seen as a positive move.

Looking back at the official trailer released a year ago, the game showcased dynamic combat like switching from dual blades to a rifle, classic MMORPG party roles (tank, healer, DPS) tackling dungeon content, field bosses reminiscent of Final Fantasy XIV’s elite hunts, and cinematic story cutscenes that sparked curiosity.

After a presentation at GDC 2024, little news followed, and the game started fading from the public eye. Rumors even circulated that NPIXEL’s financial issues had slowed development. In that context, the release of the first developer note came as welcome news to fans.

On April 4, the development team said, “We sincerely thank all gamers waiting for Chrono Odyssey. Many of you are eagerly anticipating updates, so today, we’d like to share part of the progress we’ve made.”

The developers held a closed Focus Group Test (FGT) in February. While exact participant numbers weren’t disclosed, they said, “Thanks to the incredible feedback and detailed data we received from many testers, we were able to evolve Chrono Odyssey in meaningful ways. Since then, we’ve focused on polishing areas that needed improvement and enhancing the overall quality.”

During the FGT, features like “Soroma Fortress” and “Bounty Hunts” gained particular popularity. Screenshots revealed a foggy, ominous fortress setting and eerie monsters that caught players’ attention.

Bounty hunts required not just skill but observation and patience to track and defeat powerful targets. The monster “Ravernug Borg” was the most hunted, as it offered engaging mechanics and rewarding loot, according to analysis.

The developers added, “Even now, we are meticulously building and refining every part of the game to deliver the best possible experience to gamers. And soon, the time will come when we can finally unveil Chrono Odyssey.”

Fans responded with mixed but passionate opinions:
“If there was an FGT, at least release some gameplay footage,”
“Cancelling the mobile version was the best decision,”
“If it’s a PC/console MMORPG, I hope it feels like WoW or Final Fantasy XIV,”
“The graphics are so good—can we expect a World of Warcraft-like experience?”,
“Please don’t let it be another Bless, TL, or Elyon,”
“The trailer alone is enough to raise expectations, but we need more info.”

Meanwhile, Kakao Games stated that they are “doing their best to conduct CBT within the first half of this year.” All eyes are now on whether Chrono Odyssey can follow in the footsteps of Aion and Lost Ark to become the next flagship Korean MMORPG.