At GDC 2025, Ben Starr, the lead actor, and Myeongjin Yun, CEO of Neople, discussed the intentions behind their famed MMO, Dungeon Fighter Online, which is extremely popular in Asia yet lacks recognition in the Western market. The latest game, The First Berserker: Khazan, aims to bridge this gap.

Dungeon Fighter Online, launched in Korea in 2005, has generated around $22 billion but remained largely unnoticed in the West. The introduction of Khazan is expected to attract a wider audience by leveraging the franchise’s extensive lore and engaging narratives.

Yun shared, “It’s been nearly 20 years since Dungeon Fighter Online came out. While it has seen extensive popularity in Asia, it hasn’t quite penetrated the Western market due to its niche genre.”

He added, “Our challenge was to identify a genre that could appeal to a broader audience while remaining true to the essence of Dungeon Fighter. The forthcoming action RPG emphasizes storytelling and the rapidly-paced combat that fans expect, while also introducing a new level of depth with Khazan’s character growth.”

The game’s plot serves as an origin story, situating its events 700 years prior to the original. Khazan’s journey includes a partnership with a dark entity, which sets him on a path of revenge, ultimately leading to events that shape the Dungeon Fighter Online universe.

Ben Starr expressed his fascination with the character’s complexity and depth, stating, “This game goes beyond typical action and adds layers of emotional weight and storytelling, presenting Khazan’s internal struggles as he faces both external adversaries and his own demons.”

With The First Berserker, Neople hopes to create a compelling entry point for newcomers while enriching the experience for long-time fans, potentially positioning the franchise for greater success in the years to come.