Developer Note #24: On Temporarily Suspending the Service
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[/p][p][/p][p]Hello,
This is Kwon Daeho, Executive Producer.[/p][p][/p][p]First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has played the game and shared their feedback during the Early Access period.[/p][p]We are especially grateful to those who supported the game through DLC and other means even after we launched the service as a Free-to-Play title. [/p][p]The feedback and gameplay experiences you have shared with us have been an extremely important reference for the team as we continue shaping the direction of the game.[/p][p][/p][p]Recently, the development team has held extensive internal discussions about the current state of the game and its future direction, and we ultimately came to one conclusion.[/p][p]Continuing to operate the live service while making incremental improvements would require a significant amount of time before we could reach the level of gameplay experience we originally set out to create.[/p][p]In particular, we believe that key aspects of the game—such as the core gameplay experience, player motivation systems, as well as matchmaking and service stability—require a more focused development period. These improvements have the potential to significantly elevate the game’s overall quality and enjoyment, but they are also difficult to implement with the depth they require while maintaining a live service at the same time.[/p][p][/p][p]After much discussion, the development team has decided to temporarily suspend the service and focus entirely on development for a period of time.[/p][p]We understand that this will be disappointing news, especially for those who are currently enjoying the game. We are also fully aware that this announcement may feel even more significant for players who have supported the game throughout Early Access.[/p][p][/p][h3]The service for BLACK STIGMA will be temporarily suspended starting on April 1, 2026 at 03:00 (UTC+0).[/h3][p][/p][p]This decision does not mean the project is being cancelled. [/p][p]Development will continue, and during this period the team will focus on refining the core gameplay experience. [/p][p]Our main goals will be performance optimization, improving system stability, and polishing the overall feel of gameplay.[/p][p][/p][p]At the same time, this development period may go beyond simple improvements to the game. [/p][p]We are also re-examining the structure and overall experience of the game in order to ensure that the world, characters, and IP we have built can continue to grow in a sustainable way for the long term.[/p][p]As a result, there is a possibility that certain aspects of the game’s direction or genre expression may evolve from what you see today. However, regardless of the form it takes, our goal remains the same: to better preserve and strengthen the identity and fun of BLACK STIGMA that we have built together with the community.[/p][p][/p][p]The feedback you have shared during Early Access will continue to play an important role throughout this process. The team is very aware of what players have enjoyed and what areas need improvement, and we are using that feedback to rebuild and strengthen the foundation of the game.[/p][p]At this time, it is difficult for us to provide an exact timeline for when the service will resume. However, we will continue to share development updates whenever possible during this period. We will let you know as soon as we are ready to share more news.[/p][p][/p][p]Once again, thank you to everyone who has played and supported BLACK STIGMA during Early Access.[/p][p]When the time comes for the game to return, we will do our best to come back with a much better experience than before.[/p][p][/p][p]Sincerely,[/p][p] [/p][p]Kwon Dae-ho, Executive Producer[/p]
This is Kwon Daeho, Executive Producer.[/p][p][/p][p]First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has played the game and shared their feedback during the Early Access period.[/p][p]We are especially grateful to those who supported the game through DLC and other means even after we launched the service as a Free-to-Play title. [/p][p]The feedback and gameplay experiences you have shared with us have been an extremely important reference for the team as we continue shaping the direction of the game.[/p][p][/p][p]Recently, the development team has held extensive internal discussions about the current state of the game and its future direction, and we ultimately came to one conclusion.[/p][p]Continuing to operate the live service while making incremental improvements would require a significant amount of time before we could reach the level of gameplay experience we originally set out to create.[/p][p]In particular, we believe that key aspects of the game—such as the core gameplay experience, player motivation systems, as well as matchmaking and service stability—require a more focused development period. These improvements have the potential to significantly elevate the game’s overall quality and enjoyment, but they are also difficult to implement with the depth they require while maintaining a live service at the same time.[/p][p][/p][p]After much discussion, the development team has decided to temporarily suspend the service and focus entirely on development for a period of time.[/p][p]We understand that this will be disappointing news, especially for those who are currently enjoying the game. We are also fully aware that this announcement may feel even more significant for players who have supported the game throughout Early Access.[/p][p][/p][h3]The service for BLACK STIGMA will be temporarily suspended starting on April 1, 2026 at 03:00 (UTC+0).[/h3][p][/p][p]This decision does not mean the project is being cancelled. [/p][p]Development will continue, and during this period the team will focus on refining the core gameplay experience. [/p][p]Our main goals will be performance optimization, improving system stability, and polishing the overall feel of gameplay.[/p][p][/p][p]At the same time, this development period may go beyond simple improvements to the game. [/p][p]We are also re-examining the structure and overall experience of the game in order to ensure that the world, characters, and IP we have built can continue to grow in a sustainable way for the long term.[/p][p]As a result, there is a possibility that certain aspects of the game’s direction or genre expression may evolve from what you see today. However, regardless of the form it takes, our goal remains the same: to better preserve and strengthen the identity and fun of BLACK STIGMA that we have built together with the community.[/p][p][/p][p]The feedback you have shared during Early Access will continue to play an important role throughout this process. The team is very aware of what players have enjoyed and what areas need improvement, and we are using that feedback to rebuild and strengthen the foundation of the game.[/p][p]At this time, it is difficult for us to provide an exact timeline for when the service will resume. However, we will continue to share development updates whenever possible during this period. We will let you know as soon as we are ready to share more news.[/p][p][/p][p]Once again, thank you to everyone who has played and supported BLACK STIGMA during Early Access.[/p][p]When the time comes for the game to return, we will do our best to come back with a much better experience than before.[/p][p][/p][p]Sincerely,[/p][p] [/p][p]Kwon Dae-ho, Executive Producer[/p]