Multibillion-dollar MMO Dungeon Fighter Online is huge in Asia but ‘not as well known in the West,’ and The First Berserker: Khazan was meant to change that

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2D Multiplayer Online Game “Dungeon Fighter Online” or as it was originally known in Korea as “Dungeon & Fighter”, might be a game you haven’t played yet, but one that has generated an astounding $22 billion since its launch in 2005. Despite being extremely popular in Asia, the game never quite managed to break out of its cult status in the West. However, with the recent release of “First Berserker: Khazan”, there’s a possibility that this series could finally capture the attention of more players worldwide. This is certainly what developer Neople is aiming for.

Initially, it may not be apparent, but Khazan possesses strong connections to the DNF series. The creators intended to utilize its rich legacy and symbolism for a fresh kind of gaming experience. During GDC 2025, we had a conversation with Neople CEO Myeongjin Yun and lead actor Ben Starr (who gained fame as Clive in Final Fantasy 16) about the action game’s ambition to modernize DNF.

Yun commented that it’s nearly two decades since the first release of Dungeon Fighter Online, yet its popularity hasn’t spread as widely in the West compared to Asia. He pointed out that the gaming community is vast and diverse, with varying tastes. Moreover, Dungeon Fighter being a 2D side-scrolling game could make it somewhat specialized or niche.

To find a way to engage more players with the Dungeon Fighter Universe, we considered which genre would be most effective. While creating a fighting game like Duel was successful, this time around, our goal was to develop an action game and maintain the core experience of Dungeon Fighter. We wanted to create Khazan as a means to emphasize the fast-paced, intense action that defines the series, and to spotlight the rich storytelling and lore that has been developed within the Dungeon Fighter IP over the past few decades.

In contrast to the grandiose nature of the original DFO, First Berserker focuses on delivering a challenging and soulslike gameplay experience, following the protagonist’s transformation from a shattered warrior to a formidable, sinister warlord named Khazan. This perspective highlights the player’s journey and personal growth throughout the game.

This game is primarily an Action Role-Playing Game (RPG), but it emphasizes strategic, deliberate actions over rapid, intense combat like that found in Ninja Gaiden or Devil May Cry. The CEO of Neople describes First Berserker as offering a hardcore action-RPG experience that leaves players feeling stylish and awesome.

Yun mentioned that they aim to make players feel confident and in command while battling, even though the game can be tough. Since you’re controlling Khazan, they want you to experience a sense of coolness and power, which will encourage you to keep trying and improve with each attempt. This element was crucial for them in developing this action-packed game because it allows players to start parrying and truly enjoy the sensation of combat. They didn’t intend for players to feel overwhelmed by pressure; instead, they aimed to strike a balance so that you can feel like you’re progressing on your journey.

First Berserker: Khazan stands out as an engaging new game because it serves as the origin tale for both the series and its titular character, similar to Arthas/The Lich King in World of Warcraft within DFO. This makes it accessible for novice players who haven’t delved into DFO lore previously, offering them a chance to jump straight in. For seasoned players, it provides a backstory that helps illuminate the larger conflicts in DFO.

700 years prior to the initial game, “First Berserker” starts by introducing its protagonist being banished into a harsh, icy wilderness by his previous associates in the Pell Los empire. Eking out survival after barely avoiding capture, he subsequently joins forces with a shadowy figure called Blade Phantom. This partnership compels him to exact vengeance on those who exiled him, unknowingly guiding the kingdom towards a more ominous destiny—establishing the foundation for the Dungeon Fighter Online era and his future role as an adversary.

Initially, the tale of Berserker carries a grim tone, which intrigued actor Ben Starr.

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve had my fair share of immersing myself in the roles of brooding, powerful characters like Clive from Final Fantasy 16 or Arthur from Warframe: 1999. When I auditioned for First Berserker, it was the cool factor that initially grabbed me, but what truly sealed the deal was the depth and complexity of the character’s rags-to-berserker tale. The fact that Neople gave me the freedom to infuse my own interpretation into the character made it an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Starr, speaking as an actor, expressed his fondness for delving into the less powerful aspects of characters, particularly when they’re at their lowest points. He finds that the game offers some compelling moments that reflect this vulnerability. The game, he notes, is more than just a power fantasy; it also has deep emotional depth. It allows players to develop a character and acquire new tools, but it transcends typical action games by exploring themes of suffering in the world and what Khazan can do to assist others, while also battling his own inner struggles.

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What initially captivated me about this role was the abundance of opportunities it offered to explore, and I sensed that the developers were welcoming and encouraging of us to experiment with this world. Moreover, Starr commended actor Anthony Howell, who portrayed Blade Phantom and Morgott, for giving an outstanding performance and serving as a fitting counterpart to Khazan’s character.

Besides the shift towards a “soulslike” gameplay with First Berserker within the Dungeon & Fighter series, the creators are also working on an open-world RPG called ARAD: Dungeon & Fighter, unveiled in 2024. It appears that the developers aim to explore various new experiences for the franchise as well.

Yun stated that our whole team is composed of individuals who have cherished the initial Dungeon Fighter for years, and we’re eager to pass on its tales to a broader audience. This is the reason we began with Khazan. We believed his combat expertise as a fighter and warrior would resonate effectively in a hardcore action RPG with new players. Moreover, there are numerous other characters with rich backstories, opening up more opportunities for future developments.

We might offer experiences centered around characters, they could be digital or physical, like movies, web series, comics (manhwa), or even anime. There’s a variety coming your way, so keep an eye on us!

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2025-04-10 17:17