Smilegate, a South Korean game developer, has partnered with Line Next, the web3 subsidiary of Line Corporation, to integrate an NFT marketplace into their upcoming MMORPG, Lord Nine. Set to launch in the second half of 2024 on both PC and mobile platforms, this collaboration will utilize Line’s DOSI blockchain platform. The integration aims to enhance the gaming experience by offering unique in-game features and benefits linked to NFTs.

Lord Nine MMORPG Integrates Line’s DOSI Blockchain

New Web3 MMORPG

Smilegate, a leading South Korean game developer, has announced a strategic partnership with Line Next, the web3 subsidiary of Line Corporation (one of Asia's prominent messaging companies). This collaboration will integrate Line’s DOSI blockchain platform into Smilegate’s anticipated MMORPG, Lord Nine, set for release across PC and mobile in the second half of 2024.

Integration of NFT Marketplace

At the core of this partnership is the integration of an NFT marketplace within Lord Nine. Built on the DOSI blockchain platform, the marketplace will initially launch in Taiwan in September 2024. Taiwanese players can pre-register for Lord Nine starting from July 5th, 2024, and receive rewards such as a Medium Item Box, LINE Points, and Kaia tokens. These incentives are designed to enhance the gaming experience and provide early adopters with exclusive benefits.

NFT Marketplace

Blockchain-Enabled Game Features

Post-launch, Lord Nine players will be able to access NFTs exclusively through their game accounts linked to the DOSI marketplace. This integration will support payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, and DOSI’s native Kaia tokens. The incorporation of blockchain technology aims to offer players unique in-game features and benefits tied to their NFT holdings, further enriching the gameplay and community engagement.

Regional Rollout and Market Expansion

Following its initial launch in Taiwan, the NFT marketplace within Lord Nine will gradually introduce additional functionalities and expand to other regions. This phased rollout is part of a broader strategy to build a robust and scalable web3 gaming ecosystem. Players in new regions will gain access to the integrated marketplace, bringing the advantages of blockchain technology to a wider audience.

Role of Line Next and DOSI Blockchain

Line Next's commitment to advancing its DOSI blockchain platform was underscored in December 2023, when the company raised $140 million to accelerate its growth. While Lord Nine is one of the first games to utilize DOSI’s capabilities, Line Next is actively seeking collaborations with other game developers across various genres. 

Line Next Logo

Introducing Sweet Monster Guardians

The team recently unveiled its second web3 game, Sweet Monster Guardians. This innovative game seamlessly integrates non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into its gameplay, drawing inspiration from the beloved South Korean character brand, Sweet Monster.

Sweet Monster Guardians is a web-based strategic defense game, that offers players a seamless gaming experience directly on PCs and mobile devices without the need for a separate client download. The game combines NFTs with the existing mobile game of Sweet Monster, a successful Korean character brand known for character licensing and dessert franchise businesses.

Sweet Monster Guardians 

Final Thoughts

The collaboration between Smilegate and Line Next marks a significant step in incorporating blockchain technology into mainstream gaming. With the integration of an NFT marketplace in Lord Nine through the DOSI platform, players can look forward to new in-game features and benefits. As the anticipated MMORPG nears launch and expands to different regions, this partnership may influence future developments in the gaming industry by demonstrating the practical applications of web3 technology. For more information on Line Next and DOSI please see the official press release here.