Krafton revealed on January 26 that it will conduct player tests for a new action multiplayer online battle game. This marks the South Korean publisher’s latest effort to branch out from its mainstay PUBG: Battlegrounds franchise. The company reported around 1.67 trillion KRW (~$1.27 billion USD) in revenue for 2023 and is actively working on new IP to broaden its portfolio.
Details about the specific title are still scarce, according to the original Maeil Business Newspaper report. However, Krafton’s entry into the action multiplayer scene puts it in direct competition with established franchises that are already vying for a dwindling player base. The multiplayer shooter market has seen a lot of consolidation lately. Several major titles struggle to keep concurrent players engaged after their initial launch.
The timing is crucial. The Battlefield franchise — a major player in the genre — currently has only 3,172 concurrent Steam players and a 44% positive rating based on 132,892 reviews. This reflects the challenges of maintaining player engagement in this competitive space. Krafton will need its new title to tackle retention issues that have affected even larger studios.
Krafton has experience running large-scale player tests, thanks to PUBG’s early access model, which reached over 3 million concurrent players on Steam in January 2018. The big question is whether that approach will work in a new action multiplayer format. The upcoming tests will help determine how player feedback will influence the game’s progression systems, matchmaking, and monetization strategies before a broader release.
| Krafton 2023 Revenue | ~$1.27 billion USD |
| Battlefield Steam Concurrent Players | 3,172 |
| Battlefield Steam Review Score | 44% positive |
| Battlefield Steam Reviews Total | 132,892 |
| Battlefield Current Steam Price | $59.99 |
Community sentiment around the multiplayer shooter genre shows frustration with the current situation. One Steam reviewer noted, “in its current state, BF2042 is better than BF6.” This backhanded compliment highlights how low confidence has fallen among core shooter fans regarding new releases. That skepticism sets the stage for Krafton as it enters the market.
What To Watch
- Player test scope and regions: If Krafton tests only in South Korea or goes global, it’ll indicate how close the game is to a full release and the studio’s confidence in its state.
- Retention metrics post-test: Krafton’s history with PUBG shows they pay close attention to concurrent player data. Keep an eye out for any official figures released after the testing period ends.
- Competitive positioning: With EA’s Battlefield struggling to retain its audience and no clear new leader in action multiplayer, Krafton has a real opportunity. But this hinges on the test builds demonstrating compelling gameplay that justifies entering this crowded genre.
