After the launch of AION 2 last November, the main 'AION' title, which had somewhat lost its momentum, has managed a comeback in the GameMeca popularity rankings for the first time in a while. It jumped a significant 10 spots from last week to secure 17th place. A review of key metrics reveals a clear upward trend across the board, including portal search volume, PC bang usage, and individual broadcast viewership. This surge is largely attributed to the effects of the remake update, ambitiously rolled out on the 20th.

This update focused on a comprehensive overhaul. It features a complete revamp of all 13 classes, wings that activate during combat, and a strengthened Stigma system as a growth element. Furthermore, it amplified its appeal with the new server 'Deva,' which boasts features like automatic hunting support, a crafting system that allows for the creation of paid costumes, and distinct fields compared to existing ones. Following its launch, feedback suggests that the combination of new crafting and auto-hunting has reduced player fatigue.

Looking at NCsoft's overall performance, the fact that both Lineage and AION 2 held firm at 2nd and 10th place, respectively, even during AION's sharp ascent, is a positive sign. With these two titles dominating the top tier, AION's entry into the top 20 marks a respectable achievement, fitting for a 'MMORPG powerhouse' after a long hiatus. If AION can maintain this momentum long-term, it could lead to a stronger NCsoft family overall, rather than a concentration of players on a single title.

In the first quarter of this year, NCsoft saw a slowdown in its mobile games, which have long been the company's financial backbone. However, bolstered by AION 2 and Lineage Classic, they achieved their highest quarterly PC game revenue and saw a significant overall performance increase. The remake update, launched on the 20th, appears to be a strategic move to transfer this momentum to another flagship title, AION. Nevertheless, to sustain the update's impact over time, closer communication and a keen ear to the feedback of returning players will be crucial.

This week's top riser in the GameMeca popularity rankings is Genshin Impact. It made a comeback to 32nd place after just one week outside the rankings, eclipsing the strong newcomer 'Lee Hwan.' The significant surge in interest is attributed to the release of the Archon Quest addressing a new crisis in the Sumeru region on the 20th, alongside the debut of the new 5-star character 'Clorinde.' Her popularity, coupled with her robust support capabilities and solid performance, has further amplified her prominence.

However, 'Wuthering Waves' firmly holds the top spot among subculture games. It climbed another two places this week to settle at 19th, and with the 'Wuthering Waves Festival' scheduled to take place at KINTEX from the 29th, its impact is expected to carry over into next week's rankings. The key question now is whether 'Genshin Impact,' the established veteran in this genre, can leverage the positive reception of its recent updates to once again overtake 'Wuthering Waves' and reclaim the 'No. 1 subculture game' title.

In the upper echelons, Dungeon & Fighter (hereinafter referred to as DNf) slipped two spots to 13th. DNf had been making a push for popularity at the PlayX4 expo, which began on the 21st, showcasing an exhibition themed around its new character. While this led to a slight increase in DNf's own metrics, other top-tier games like Lost Ark and MapleStory also boosted their figures, resulting in a relative dip in rankings. We'll have to wait until June, when the two new characters are set to launch, for a potential comeback.

In the lower ranks, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad ascended 11 places to land at 38th. A significant increase in PC bang usage was observed, largely influenced by the PC bang event that commenced on the 19th, offering rewards based on cumulative playtime. Netmarble is also running multiple events in collaboration with the 'Big 3' mobile carriers and Lenovo, aiming to attract new players. The critical challenge now is to retain these acquired users in the long term.