[ArcheAge Chronicles] Developer Diary - Our Vision

Hello gamers, near and far. I'm Yongjin Ham, the executive producer of ArcheAge Chronicles. We're excited to expand upon the world of ArcheAge with this new, ambitious title. Our goal is to make the game more accessible to a wider audience, expanding upon the typical MMO framework by incorporating open-world action gameplay. This next chapter coalesces the core ArcheAge spirit with a breath of fresh air, just like stepping into a new world for the very first time.

We've made sure that both new and long-time players can enjoy the game to its fullest on their own terms. Those who love single-player games can get a taste of journeying through a shared, dynamic world with other players, while MMO veterans can enjoy the immersion and rich gameplay they know and love. No matter what kind of gamer you are, you're sure to feel right at home in Auroria.

A New Story to Tell

The story of ArcheAge Chronicles takes place during the discovery of Auroria, roughly 50 years after the events of the original. The latter's narrative centered on the player's efforts to prevent a large-scale catastrophe, in lieu of exploring other contemporaneous plotlines. Now, we shift the focus to these untold tales, placing the hopes and struggles of Auroria's settlers at the forefront of a brave new world.

The title was chosen as a reflection of our aim to tell untapped stories from different perspectives in the same era, shedding light on previously unexplored lore. In short, there are many stories waiting to be told in Auroria, and we have plans for much more to come.

Bringing Action Combat to a Vast Online World

One of our key goals is to translate the tense, acrobatic combat found in single-player action games into a vast, persistent online world. This blend of genres allows us to make ArcheAge Chronicles more accessible to a wide array of players. We've crafted a dynamic, exciting action-combat gameplay that you can dive into with real people by your side.

However, the heart of ArcheAge Chronicles goes beyond just combat. The game offers content for all playstyles, including party play and twenty-player raids. Outside of progressing the main story, most PvE encounters can be accessed as both a solo player as well as a full-fledged party. In addition to thrilling battles, players can engage in world events, tackle open-world raid bosses, and experience iconic game modes like the Crimson Rift, all set within a richly detailed, MMO environment.

A Familiar Yet Evolved World for ArcheAge Fans

While ArcheAge Chronicles is a new game, many well-loved elements from the past will make a welcome return. We've built upon this legacy, preserving aspects like lifestyle content, housing, and trading while introducing added layers of depth and immersion. For instance, the housing system allows players to extensively customize their homes to their liking. You can also meet housemates to share and personalize your living space together.

Like before, crafting plays a crucial role in character growth. Trade is an essential mechanism for supplying the materials needed for crafting. We've retained familiar trade mechanisms from the past, such as using wagons, carts, and creating trade goods to sell in different regions, but with a twist. New variables will be designed into the transportation process to make it all the more fun and engaging. Trade isn't just an economic exchange, but a vital part of a player's journey through the world.

PvP will also have its place in ArcheAge Chronicles. Revitalized trade runs will involve elements of risk and reward, where PvP encounters become more likely as the stakes of the journey increase with higher levels. Additionally, we're exploring an evolved crime system and organized PvP activities, including arenas like the colosseum, to enhance the competitive experience.

We believe that once you set foot into the game, you'll discover an epic journey that respects the legacy of the original while offering something entirely new. We can't wait for you to explore this next chapter with us.

What's Next?

We have plenty more in store for you in future updates. Stay tuned for more information—and your next grand adventure in Auroria!

Until next time,
- Yongjin Ham, Executive Producer, ArcheAge Chronicles