Global Netmarble Inside is back with the third interview! This time, we invited Wakabayashi Hideyuki from Netmarble Japan. 

Wakabayashi is in charge of the Seven Knights series business in Japan. Lots of Japanese gamers love Seven Knights IP. Today, we asked Wakabayashi about how Netmarble Japan operates the top-tier local service of the Seven Knights series.

#1. Thank you for your time today. Would you please introduce yourself briefly?

A. Hello, My name is Wakabayashi Hideyuki. I am in charge of servicing Seven Knights 2 at Netmarble Japan.

I took part in Seven Knights IP projects such as Seven Knights, Seven Knights 2, and Seven Knights -Time Wanderer for Nintendo Switch. It is a great honor to have this interview and tell all Seven Knights fans that we sincerely thank you for your love and support.

#2. Some Channel Netmarble readers might not be very much familiar with Netmarble Japan. Could you briefly introduce Netmarble Japan? How immense is Netmarble's brand power there?

A. Netmarble Japan publishes various Netmarble games in Japan. We have achieved great success with numerous Netmarble games. Seven Knights, Lineage 2 Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, and more ranked at the top of Japanese mobile game sales. We will continue to prepare PLC and launch projects closely to provide an up-to-date experience for Japanese users.

#3. Seven Knights 2, a long-awaited sequel of Seven Knights, finally launched its service in Japan last November. What is it like to feel Japanese users' affection for Seven Knights IP? The universe of Seven Knights will continue to expand.

A. Seven Knights is one of the most important IPs in Japan.

After continuing the service for a long time, we launched the Nintendo Switch title Seven Knights -Time Wanderer- based on Vanessa's scenario, and finally, Seven Knights 2 has come.

The series could continue because the fans kept supporting and loving the Seven Knights IP. I feel a remarkable achievement in successfully introducing Seven Knights 2 to the fans and users. The Seven Knights universe will keep developing, and we will put our every effort into making sure that the users enjoy the most of it.

#4. How does Netmarble Japan collaborate with Netmarble HQ through the game servicing process?

A. Netmarble Japan is in charge of local marketing, business, operation, and promotional activities necessary to publish games in the region. We closely work with the HQ team for the best performance. 

In addition, we let users know about the game-related information and enjoy the games in various ways. Also, we are putting a lot of effort into localizing the language to maximize the experience.

We study the local game market to share the Japanese game trend. Nemarble Japan and HQ exchange innovative ideas and find the best way to service our games.

#5. Could you pick one favorite character from Seven Knights 2?   

A. It would be Lene.

Along with the fact that she is the main character from the original series, I feel much affection because she has steadily grown from the beginning of the story.

Although she was discouraged by tragedies, the adventures that she went through with her comrades strengthened her mind and soul.

In Seven Knights 2, each character's feelings are well expressed in a clear full voice, so it would be very much appreciated if users enjoyed it.

#6. How is Seven Knights 2 different from other MMORPG? What types of gamers do you think will enjoy the game?

A. Seven Knights 2 features original characters in high-quality 3D graphics with 4-character group battle content.

Many users who enjoyed the original Seven Knights game system and those who like collecting characters and conducting strategical battles will love Seven Knights 2.

In addition, we inserted cinematic videos in in-game play to focus on delivering the story. I think many users will look forward to the original story of Seven Knights 2.

#7. There might be some distinctive traits that Japanese users have. What is Netmarble Japan's strategy to target local users?

 A. Japanese users have a strong affection for characters, scenarios, music, in-game content, and many other fields. 

Some users even read the script very thoroughly and predict the upcoming story accurately.

We always try to plan and operate events to satisfy the highly-expecting users.

#8. Are there any Seven Knights 2 events Netmarble Japan is planning specifically for Japanese users? Please tell us about service plans and aspirations.

A. Netmarble Japan held Seven Festival event on January 19th to celebrate the 77th day of launch. We prepared luxurious prizes to bring the festive moment to our users. Lots of Seven Knights 2 fans participated in the event - We felt great love once again.

We are planning various events for Seven Knights 2 in February and March. Stay tuned.

#9. Any last comment for Channel Netmarble readers?

A. Netmarble Japan provides numerous hits that fans can enjoy in their daily life.

We hope that users take pleasure experience with the games and expect more for games that are being developed and soon to be released in the future. We will keep up with Seven Knights series to make users love it more. Thank you.