What's Happening?
Sanctuary Games, a South Korean game studio founded by former NEOWIZ business development manager Hyunduk You, has announced a new collectible turn-based strategy RPG titled Zanerdin: The Unbound. The game will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. Notably, it features gacha gameplay without the use of microtransactions, a departure from the typical model seen in similar games. The game is set in the fantastical world of Kalatos, where players lead the character Zanerdin from the Chaos region into the Blessed lands. The game includes 60 unique battle stages and allows players to collect characters, pets, and gear through gameplay rather than purchases. Sanctuary Games emphasizes a narrative-driven experience, with hand-drawn cutscenes
and a focus on player enjoyment over monetization.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of Zanerdin: The Unbound is significant as it challenges the prevailing trend of microtransactions in gacha games, which often draw criticism for encouraging excessive spending. By offering a full experience without additional purchases, Sanctuary Games is positioning itself as a player-friendly developer, potentially appealing to a broader audience wary of pay-to-win mechanics. This approach could influence other developers to reconsider their monetization strategies, especially if the game proves successful. Additionally, the game's release on major platforms like PS5 and Steam indicates a commitment to reaching a wide audience, which could impact the competitive landscape of turn-based RPGs.
What's Next?
While a specific release date for Zanerdin: The Unbound has not been announced, the game is currently in development, and players are encouraged to sign up for updates via the official website and Discord. The game's success could lead to further content expansions, as Sanctuary Games has hinted at downloadable content and additional storylines post-launch. The industry will be watching closely to see if the game's no-microtransaction model can sustain its development and attract a loyal player base.
