Wemade’s highly anticipated MMORPG, ‘Legend of YMIR,’ is scheduled for release, marking a pivotal moment for the company and the blockchain gaming industry. Developed over four years, the game has generated significant interest, particularly due to its integrated blockchain technology and innovative coin system. The success of ‘Legend of YMIR’ is expected to significantly impact Wemade’s financial performance, as it aims to capture a substantial share of the domestic market.
Pre-downloading for ‘Legend of YMIR’ commenced recently, allowing users to install the game on PC and mobile devices via the official website, Google Play, and the Apple App Store. The official service is set to launch at noon. The game unfolds against a backdrop of Norse mythology, depicting the events leading up to ‘Ragnarok,’ the world’s end. Wemade utilized Unreal Engine 5 to create hyper-realistic visuals, encompassing character costumes, architecture, and landscapes.
Players can choose from four distinct classes, each with unique weapons and combat styles: the axe- and shield-wielding Berserker, the Skald who buffs allies with a mini harp, the Volva who specializes in neutralizing enemies, and the Warlord who employs a spear for swift battlefield domination. While the game features default automatic combat, it also offers a variety of content for manual play.
A key feature of ‘Legend of YMIR’ is its blockchain-based economic system. The in-game economy revolves around coins, a virtual currency essential for crafting and enhancing high-level gear. Wemade has implemented a limited issuance policy for these coins to maintain their value. Top-tier items are designated as Non-Fungible Items (NFIs), providing tamper-proof digital ownership. Each NFI has a unique identifier, publicly disclosing ownership history and creation details within blockchain databases. This allows users to verify item information transparently.
Furthermore, a blockchain-driven governance system empowers players to participate directly in game operations. Users can acquire governance coins by staking general coins and then use these governance coins to vote on in-game events, content policies, server matching, and representatives. This fosters a sense of community ownership and allows players to influence the game’s direction.
The release of ‘Legend of YMIR’ is particularly significant as it represents the first major self-developed project since Chairman Park Kwan-ho’s return to management. He expressed his intention to build upon the foundation laid by former CEO Jang Hyun-guk with the ‘Wemix’ blockchain project and to establish a new standard for blockchain MMORPGs. In his New Year’s address, he stated that the current year would be a crucial turning point, emphasizing the company’s commitment to solidifying its global market position by merging gaming and blockchain technologies.
‘Legend of YMIR’ is expected to be a key driver of Wemade’s performance. The company reported strong financial results, with sales and operating profit increasing substantially. However, the timing of certain payments and the influence of investment gains raise questions about the long-term sustainability of this profitability. Therefore, the success of ‘Legend of YMIR’ is crucial for Wemade’s continued growth.
Kim Sang-won, Executive Vice President of Wemade, stated that ‘Legend of YMIR’ represents the culmination of extensive game development expertise and blockchain game knowledge. He added that the company is committed to delivering an innovative gaming experience through high immersion and a differentiated economic system, establishing a new paradigm for in-game economies that transcends the limitations of existing domestic MMORPGs.
