Last Epoch Developer Addresses Player Concerns Following Krafton's AI-First Strategy and Studio Acquisition

Navigating the Storm: Last Epoch's Future Amidst Corporate Shifts

Krafton's Strategic Shift and Its Ripple Effects

Krafton, a prominent publisher in the gaming industry, has embarked on a significant strategic overhaul, declaring itself an "AI-first company." This new direction is backed by an investment exceeding 130 billion Korean Won, approximately 88 million US dollars. Coinciding with this bold initiative, the company has implemented a hiring freeze and introduced a voluntary resignation program for its employees in South Korea. These moves have sparked considerable unease across the industry, raising questions about job security and the long-term implications for game development.

The Acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games and Initial Skepticism

Adding to the complexity, Krafton acquired Eleventh Hour Games, the developer of Last Epoch, in July. This acquisition came at a particularly sensitive time, following the controversial dismissal of the founders of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica, amidst allegations of an attempt to avoid a substantial earnout payment. This sequence of events immediately cast a shadow of doubt among Last Epoch's dedicated player base, who worried about the impact of corporate ownership on their cherished game.

Judd Cobler's Reassurance and Evolving Monetization Plans

In response to the community's concerns, Judd Cobler, the founder of Eleventh Hour Games, initially conveyed to fans that the acquisition would ultimately benefit Last Epoch. He highlighted the increased access to resources and talent that Krafton's backing would provide, promising a brighter future for the game. However, this optimism was met with renewed skepticism when the first expansion for Last Epoch, titled Orobyss, was announced at a Sony State of Play event. The studio had previously committed to making all game content free after the initial purchase, excluding cosmetic items. Cobler's subsequent acknowledgment that the expansion "maybe" would have a price tag ignited further debate among players about the potential shift in the game's monetization model under its new ownership.

Addressing Community Fears: A Developer's Dilemma

Following the recent news regarding Krafton's corporate actions, Cobler took to Reddit to personally address the community's renewed anxieties. He confirmed that Eleventh Hour Games is actively recruiting new staff, distinguishing their situation from Krafton's broader hiring freeze. In a candid exchange, Cobler elaborated on the difficult choices faced by EHG prior to the acquisition. He described a scenario where the studio's options were severely limited, ranging from developing intellectual property for other entities, securing less favorable funding, or facing potential bankruptcy. He framed joining Krafton as a necessary step to ensure the studio's survival and enable Last Epoch to compete more effectively in the market. Despite these explanations, a segment of the community remains apprehensive, particularly given Krafton's continued focus on AI investments and the unresolved legal battle with the former Subnautica 2 developers.

The Unfolding Impact on Last Epoch's Development

While definitive evidence of a negative impact on Last Epoch's development remains to be seen, the ongoing corporate changes at Krafton undoubtedly introduce an element of uncertainty for Eleventh Hour Games. With Last Epoch having just completed its third season and multiple additional seasons planned before the Orobyss expansion's launch, the stability and creative freedom of the development team are under close scrutiny. The delicate balance between corporate objectives and artistic vision continues to be a central theme in this evolving narrative.