‘The Finals’ is new gaming odyssey

Guest Reports

Published: 26 Dec. 2023, 17:53

‘The Finals’ is new gaming odyssey

During the demo release from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6, Nexon's “The Finals” attracted 7.5 million users across three consoles. [NEXON]

The “Seoul map,” with its distinctive green rooftop scenery, captured the attention of both Korean and international players. [NEXON]

"The Finals," Nexon's latest shooting game, has made a significant impact on the global gaming market. Throughout its 11-day beta test, held from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6, the game garnered an impressive 7.5 million users across three major platforms: Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Especially on Steam, the world's leading video game platform with the largest user base, The Finals saw a peak of 270,000 players engaging in the game simultaneously. Impressively, the game attained the third position among the most played games and claimed the top spot in users' wish lists during the test release.

Players who took part in "The Finals" enthusiastically supported its stress-relieving excitement. They noted that Embark Studio, a key contributor to the game's production, lived up to expectations with its abundant experience in creating several hit shooting games, wowing players across the globe.

The Finals provides a distinctive gaming experience by granting players the freedom to obliterate virtually everything except the floor. Diverging from conventional shooting games with fixed structures, in The Finals, players can demolish ceilings, zip lines and construction cranes, introducing a dynamic element to their strategic approaches.

The varied combinations of different characters and their roles make a significant contribution to its overall appeal. In the game, each team of three players can forge a distinctive synergy through their choices of characters, weapons and gadgets. Even when three players share similar features, the game allows for the creation of diverse strategies, adding an extra layer of depth and creativity to the gaming experience.

Within the virtual reality arena, teams engage in a high-stakes mission of transporting cash boxes to a secure location, aiming for the highest “cash out” at the end. The in-game commentary and cheers that accompany the elimination of the opposing team and the successful cashing out create an immersive esports-like experience.

During this beta test, beyond the default tournament mode, the introduction of lighter modes such as “Quick Cash” and “Bank It” successfully caught the attention of casual players. The inclusion of these accessible modes broadened the game's appeal to a diverse player base.

The introduction of the “Seoul map,” inspired by the high-rise buildings of the Korean capital, and the new “Skyway Stadium” map, showcased familiar Korean signboards throughout, creating an authentic and immersive environment. The incorporation of Korean guidance broadcasts flowing from the building lobbies adds a unique touch, offering a distinctive experience for both Korean and international players alike.

“With limitless freedom, many global gamer lovers enjoyed the open beta test," an official from Nexon said. "As in the previous tests, we will actively incorporate users’ feedback to present the best possible version."

BY KIM SU-HYEON [kim.suhyeon4@joongang.co.kr]