The wildly popular MMORPG, Blue Protocol, announced it will be officially launching in Korea within the year. They will be utilizing Lost Ark publisher Smiilegate to bring the game to Korean audiences which includes the localization. This news comes amidst a flurry of controversy surrounding the game's Japanese servers, where numerous players outside of Japan have reportedly been banned due to regional restrictions.
Blue Protocol, developed by Bandai Namco, has been a beacon of interest for global gamers since its initial release in Japan. However, the game's strict regional restrictions have led to a significant number of international players being banned, causing frustration and disappointment within the gaming community. Numerous counts of players losing their accounts have surfaced in a mega-thread on Reddit depicting limited rhyme or reason to how the players are getting banned. While many believe that utilizing a VPN, foregoing any third party translations, and limiting the use of English characters in chat will protect them, bans have been handed out across the board with only one united defining factor. The players were playing outside of the Japanese region. Luckily, creating a new account is easy to do, but some players still report trouble accessing the game for extended periods of time.
The upcoming Korean launch, while exciting, may present its own set of challenges. In Korea, the process of registering for online games is notably different and potentially more complex than in other countries. This is largely due to the country's unique Internet Security Law, which requires users to register for online games using a valid Korean phone number or i-PIN (Internet Personal Identification Number). This system, while effective in combating online fraud and ensuring player accountability, may pose a significant hurdle for international players hoping to access the Korean servers.
Despite these potential obstacles, the Korean launch of Blue Protocol is still a highly anticipated event. The game's anime style and crisp graphics, immersive world, and engaging gameplay have garnered a significant following and growing popularity. Many players are eager to see how the game will evolve in a new market, as western audiences patiently await the global version’s Closed Beta Test headed our way later this year.
As we look forward to the Korean launch of Blue Protocol, one thing is certain: the game's journey is far from over, and its global impact is only just beginning. Whether it's navigating regional restrictions or adapting to new registration processes, players worldwide continue to show their dedication and passion as they attempt to find their way into this unique MMORPG.
