March 20, 2025 - NEXON conducted a session focused on the redemption story of their looter-shooter title, The First Descendant, during this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, the world’s largest and longest-running event serving professionals dedicated to the art and science of making games.
During the session, Beomjun Lee, Executive Producer of The First Descendant, hosted a presentation titled “Persevering Through a 57 Metacritic as a Live Service Game.” In the presentation, he reflected on key takeaways the team gained from months of live service following the game's release, key updates and changes in approach for season 2, a teaser for the upcoming mega update for Season 3 and more.
“It was a privilege to present The First Descendant at the world-renowned Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025,” said Beomjun Lee, Executive Producer of The First Descendant.” “This session allowed me to highlight the key lessons we’ve learned from managing the game, including insights from months of live service, the importance of engaging with our community and a glimpse of the game’s upcoming season 3 mega update, that will mark a pivotal moment for The First Descendant and our players.”
Additionally, for the groundbreaking update, Season 3: The Breakthrough, coming this summer, the team is taking a new approach to expand The First Descendant. Players can look forward to a larger battlefield to explore, new vehicles for transportation, exciting Colossus battles on expansive fields and a new lounge space.
The talk followed the recent announcement of the success of the latest update, Season 2, Episode 2 ‘Beyond The Void’ which showcased significant growth in both player engagement and overall game popularity, making it a fantastic success and giving real-world proof that the team's efforts are paying off.
Key Metrics:
-
18% increase in new players compared to the previous update.
-
25% increase in Daily Active Users.
-
Since the update, The First Descendant has recorded a peak concurrent user count of 23,000 on Steam, ranking #17 globally in revenue.
Key Highlights:
-
The immersive storytelling based on a solid worldbuilding and the deep connections between Descendants has been well received by players, with positive feedback on the cinematic elements.
-
Following the update, Serena, the new Descendant introduced in this story, and Gley, a key character in Season 2 Episode 2, gained significant popularity.
-
This surge in interest also contributed to a notable rebound in new user traffic. Events designed to facilitate quick onboarding for new and returning players, including optimized growth routes, have helped convert them into long-term active users.
-
Additionally, the introduction of the new field, "Sigma Sector," and the new progression system, "Arche Tuning System," has sparked active player engagement, with many users sharing strategies and positive feedback.
-
Ultimately, the immersive narrative, the introduction of Serena, and well-structured events to support new and returning players have contributed to positive player sentiment, as reflected in the improved key metrics.
More about The First Descendant:
Launched in July 2024, The First Descendant is a next-generation third-person co-op action RPG looter shooter featuring high-quality graphics developed using Unreal Engine 5. In the game, players become a Descendant whose mission is to combat against alien invaders. Players will encounter spectacular stories as they grow stronger through various missions and raids to finally discover the Descendants' secret. Cooperation is crucial as players team up with one another in strategic 4-player boss fights where teamwork and tactics are key. New equipment, materials, and items obtained through a myriad of missions and boss fights will contribute to players’ character development.
About NEXON Korea
Founded in 1994, NEXON Korea is engaged in the production, development, and operation of online games. With a diverse portfolio of over 45 live games available in more than 190 countries, NEXON Korea offers engaging entertainment experiences across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Renowned for its iconic franchises, including MapleStory and Dungeon&Fighter, as well as newer and upcoming titles like The First Descendant and The First Berserker: Khazan, NEXON Korea is dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality game experiences to players worldwide. For more information, visit the official website: https://company.nexon.com/en/.
# # #