Abyss of Dungeons Mobile: Producer Interview

Krafton and Bluehole Studio recently provided an exclusive look into their new mobile game, Abyss of Dungeons. We had the opportunity to speak with Joonseok Ahn, Production Head of Bluehole Studio, who shared insights into the game’s creation, the challenges faced during development, and the future vision for the title.

[Image of Joonseok Ahn]

During the interview, Ahn discussed the concept behind Abyss of Dungeons, the reasoning for its name change, and the team’s dedication to optimizing the game for a wide range of devices. Here’s the full conversation:

Q1: Hello Joonseok Ahn! Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

A: Hello. I’m Joonseok Ahn, Executive Producer and Production Head of Bluehole Studio, currently leading the development of Abyss of Dungeons. Prior to joining Krafton, I was a producer at Netmarble Nexus for Seven Knights Revolution. I also served as Chief of P&D Mobile at Smilegate RPG, and before that, I was a programmer for Vindictus at Nexon. Earlier in my career, I led the server development team for the Mu MMORPG at Webzen.

Q2: Abyss of Dungeons looks like it belongs to a unique genre. How did the idea for this game come about?

A: Our development team recognized the strong potential in “extraction RPGs” as a new genre offering a distinct experience following the Battle Royale boom. We analyzed the key characteristics of various extraction games in the global market and built Abyss of Dungeons around a classic medieval fantasy setting. The game features real-time melee combat, utilizing traditional elements like swords and shields. As an extraction RPG, it offers the exciting experience of venturing into a dungeon to explore, fight, acquire items, and safely extract with your rewards.

Q3: Why the name change to Abyss of Dungeons on Android? Will the iOS version also be called that?

A: Yes, the game will be called Abyss of Dungeons on both Android and iOS. The new name reflects the game’s setting of abyssal dungeons and symbolizes the core gameplay: players venturing into deep, dark dungeons, engaging in intense combat to survive. We believe this name better communicates the game’s identity, its genre-specific characteristics, and its unique atmosphere to players.

Q4: What were the main technical challenges in adapting the complex mechanics of Abyss of Dungeons for mobile devices, and how did the team overcome them?

A: Our team at Bluehole Studio has been focused on the unique gameplay of the extraction genre since its inception, starting development of Abyss of Dungeons in early 2023. One of our biggest challenges was adapting the hardcore elements of the genre for a mobile audience without sacrificing the game’s essence. We worked intensely to translate complex combat mechanics into intuitive touch controls and ensure stable performance on a wide variety of mobile devices.

[Image of Abyss of Dungeons gameplay]

Q5: How has the team addressed player feedback regarding the controls and user interface in the mobile version? Are there plans for ongoing improvements in these areas?

A: We are closely analyzing player data and feedback to refine gameplay systems, including controls and the user interface. Our goal is to maintain open communication with players and make balancing adjustments based on real gameplay experiences, thereby creating an environment that meets the needs and satisfies a broad player base.

Q6: What are the minimum recommended requirements for players to have a fluid and immersive experience in Abyss of Dungeons on their mobile devices?

A: Abyss of Dungeons has been optimized to run on a wide range of devices, including entry-level smartphones such as the Galaxy A, Vivi, Oppo, Poco (Xiaomi), and Redmi (Xiaomi) lines. While the game is already playable on these more modest models, we are continuously working to improve performance and compatibility, ensuring an even better and more immersive experience on all compatible devices.

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