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Kim Yong-ha PD "Returning to Blue Archive Development, Leadership Restructuring"
'Blue Archive' Announces Development Leadership Restructuring.
Nexon Games MX Studio's General Producer Yong-ha Kim announced the restructuring of the development leadership through an interview on Nexon Games' official blog 'Nexon Games Inside,' revealed on the 29th, reflecting on the 2.5th anniversary of the Korean service and presenting a blueprint for a more advanced service.
■ Leap to the Next Stage, Introducing 3 New Directors - Hyun-seok Oh, Scenario Director, Kuk-ki Kim, Art Director, Kyung-seop Ahn, Game Director
Amid recent rumors regarding the departure of key developers, including PD Byung-rim Park, related to Blue Archive, PD Yong-ha Kim directly addressed the matter through the blog. He stated, "MX Studio is undergoing a generational shift for the next stage of development," and "It has been over 6 years since we started development," indicating the timing of the generational change.
Regarding the future plans of Scenario Director Joo-young Yang, Art Director In Kim, and Director Jong-gyu Lim, he stated, "They are proceeding with handover as advisors." He also addressed rumors that Blue Archive might be neglected, stating that he, PD Min-seo Cha, and PD Byung-rim Park have taken turns performing their duties, but now he will return to that position, declaring his return as the development PD of Blue Archive.
He expressed gratitude to the existing leadership team for their dedication in laying the foundation and leading Blue Archive, while introducing the three new directors who will be appointed.
Hyun-seok Oh, who participated in setting the worldview and creating the main story in the early stages of 'Blue Archive' development, will be in charge of the scenario director. Director Hyun-seok Oh was in charge of the main story 'Karbano's Rabbit,' which was well-received by users.
Kuk-ki Kim, who designed characters such as 'Nonomi' and 'Hoshino,' has been appointed as the art director. As the team leader of the 2D character team, Director Kuk-ki Kim has demonstrated his capabilities in creating attractive character designs for 'Blue Archive,' as well as producing memorial lobbies and key visuals for major updates. Kyung-seop Ahn, the team leader of the battle team who has led the battle system and content of Blue Archive, will be in charge of the game director. Director Kyung-seop Ahn will lead the overall planning and operation of 'Blue Archive'.
Regarding this change in development leadership, General Producer Yong-ha Kim said, "This is a preemptive measure for 'Blue Archive' to take another leap forward," and "We are diligently preparing for updates both inside and outside the game, including the story development, with many colleagues and partners, and I will take the lead to ensure that it proceeds responsibly, so please look forward to the results."
In addition, General Producer Yong-ha Kim said, "From the beginning of development until now, we have been striving to show a progressively better 모습 in the process of growing 'Blue Archive'," and "In the future, we will maintain the color of 'Blue Archive', but we will show a 'new stage' in the direction of vertical development as well as horizontal expansion," revealing the future vision of 'Blue Archive'.
■ "2.5th Anniversary Filled with the Passion of Sensei, We Will Continue to Repay with Abundant Content"
Following the vision announcement, General Producer Yong-ha Kim mentioned the 2.5th anniversary event held on May 18-19 and his thoughts on the 2.5th anniversary of Blue Archive. He said, "There have been many factors in the success of 'Blue Archive', including the efforts of studio members and the support of related departments," and "Above all, the unwavering support of the Sensei is the biggest driving force behind the success of 'Blue Archive'." He also said, "The 'Blue Archive' IP is an ecosystem created together with the Sensei," and "It is very important to express gratitude to the Sensei, who are a pillar of the 'Blue Archive' ecosystem, and to form a consensus," adding that he will further 활성화 exchanges with users and provide more opportunities to express gratitude.
He cited the decision to develop it as a bright and cheerful school story from the early stages of the project as the best decision he has made so far, saying, "At the time, most of the subculture games were dark or serious, but I judged that we could release a game that could be loved enough even in a bright and light direction."
'Blue Archive' has been actively collaborating with various businesses such as Hyundai Department Store, Mom's Touch, Frank Burger, Samsung Electronics, and GS25 since 2023, expanding the base where people can experience the IP. General Producer Yong-ha Kim said, "I also have experience filling my daily life with content that I usually enjoy," and "My wish is for the Sensei to be able to naturally encounter 'Blue Archive' not only in the game but also in various aspects of their daily lives," reiterating his will to expand the IP.
General Producer Yong-ha Kim also announced that he will continue to improve various conveniences and add new content in the future, and that he plans to support Korean voice acting, which he announced last year, in the near future.
He concluded the interview by saying, "I have also been with 'Blue Archive' as one of the Sensei," and "I ask for the Sensei's unwavering expectations and support for the future of 'Blue Archive'."
웹진 인벤윤서호 기자
2024-05-29