Yet another MMORPG is about to enter the market; this being Chrono Studio’s Chrono Odyssey. A slick Korean-made MMORPG that blends visual elements of Dark Fantasy and Sci-Fi. But more than that, the title aims to make use of a “time” mechanic that will work in tandem with narrative and gameplay elements to hopefully create something unique. Chrono Studio seems interested in breaking the mold and defying expectations set for games of its kind.
MMORPG: What distinguishes Chrono Odyssey from other MMORPGs on the market?
Chrono Studio: Rather than emphasizing how Chrono Odyssey differs from other MMORPGs, we believe it’s more important to highlight what makes it truly special. Chrono Odyssey places a strong emphasis on PvE-based gameplay, designed to let players enjoy the process of exploring the world and engaging with a wide variety of content. It’s not a game where the fun begins only at the maximum level—we’ve crafted it so that the journey of growth itself is enjoyable.The game adopts a sandbox-style, non-linear open-world structure. In the field, a variety of events and situations unfold organically, and players are free to choose their actions within that dynamic world. Additionally, instead of relying solely on traditional RPG role distinctions, we focused on delivering an intuitive and immersive experience by emphasizing the responsiveness and control-based enjoyment typical of action games through our combat system.
MMORPG: The narrative of Chrono Odyssey seems to heavily rely on the passing or passage of time. How was this interwoven with various gameplay elements?
Chrono Studio: Time manipulation is a core element that runs through both the story and overall game systems of Chrono Odyssey. Players will encounter world events that shift with the passage of time and can strategically utilize the Chronotector to unlock hidden areas. Time also becomes a critical factor in combat, where precise timing can determine survival. This isn’t just a visual or narrative effect—it functions as a gameplay mechanic that permeates the entire experience.
MMORPG: How deeply does the Chronotector impact gameplay and how the player navigates the world? Or is something limited to use in specific circumstances?
Chrono Studio: The Chronotector is not merely a visual effect—it is a core tool that meaningfully impacts the entire gameplay experience. It plays a vital role in puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat, as well as granting access to alternate states of the world, such as the past or future. Its influence extends deeply across all aspects of gameplay. While it isn’t always active, it has been designed to be used in meaningful ways throughout every stage of the game. This makes it a key mechanic that enables the uniquely immersive and distinctive gameplay experience that defines Chrono Odyssey.
MMORPG: Chrono Odyssey’s art style seems to have the vague trappings of Dark Fantasy and Sci-Fi elements that feel more organic and something you might see in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus. Can you speak to some of the inspirations for the overall art direction of the MMO?
Chrono Studio: We drew inspiration from both Western and Eastern visual traditions, blending the gritty, weighty aesthetics of dark fantasy with the imaginative and unsettling elements of cosmic horror and science fiction. Chrono Odyssey’s art direction stemmed from a provocative question: What would it look like if an alien civilization—like the one portrayed in the film Prometheus—invaded a medieval world? This striking contrast served as the foundation of our visual approach. The more convincingly we depict a peaceful medieval world, the more impactful the encounter with a cosmic horror civilization becomes.
The harsh, foreboding atmosphere seen in Chrono Odyssey’s worldbuilding and mood design is not for shock value—it’s a deliberate tool to deepen narrative immersion. The main setting, Setera, is designed around region-specific events and their consequences, allowing players to experience a rich and evolving world. That said, not every part of Setera is hostile—there are also areas where players can feel a sense of peace and comfort. We hope players will look forward to discovering the full spectrum of moods that this world has to offer.
MMORPG: Can you speak a bit as to how detailed the character creator is? Will players be able to customize more than just their character from the neck up, or will we also have the chance to customize our body type?
Chrono Studio: Yes, players can enjoy deep character customization with a wide range of options, including body shape, facial structure, hairstyles, scars, tattoos, and more. We also plan to regularly update customization features—especially those that enhance character identity, such as hairstyles and scars—even after the official launch. Our goal is to help players develop a strong sense of ownership and emotional attachment to their personal avatar.
MMORPG: Chrono Odyssey is marketed as having a seamless open world. How did the team work to achieve this while also factoring in large-scale encounters with enemies in tandem with keeping the game stable regarding overall performance?
Chrono Studio: To enable seamless exploration across a vast world, we’ve developed proprietary server technology and a dynamic loading system. Additionally, regional bosses and world boss content are not isolated in separate instances—they coexist naturally within the open world. This design allows for a more immersive experience, where players can encounter epic challenges as an organic part of their journey through the game world.
MMORPG: It’s mentioned on the Steam page that players can possibly complete dungeons and challenging content on their own. Will Chrono Odyssey allow for solo-play, or will it focus on more collaborative, player-reliant content similar to Korean MMORPGs of the early 2000’s?
Chrono Studio: Chrono Odyssey builds on the exploratory fun of traditional MMOs—such as dungeons and field bosses—while also providing a satisfying experience for solo players through content like the Chrono Gate and Trial challenges. At the same time, the game features dedicated content that requires strategic cooperation, including large-scale world events and raids. These elements are designed to deliver both the thrill and rewards of teamwork. With this approach, Chrono Odyssey aims to appeal not only to long-time MMO fans, but also to newcomers to the genre, offering a balanced and engaging experience for all types of players.
MMORPG: If possible, could you speak to some of the monetization in the game? Will it purely appear as skins players can purchase, or will it extend to an expected Battle Pass and the option to purchase materials for weapon upgrades?
Chrono Studio: First and foremost, we want to assure players that they don’t need to worry about pay-to-win elements. Maintaining a fair competitive environment has always been a core principle of our development philosophy, and we have no plans to introduce any business models that affect combat performance. Instead, our in-game monetization will focus on cosmetic items and quality-of-life enhancements, ensuring that gameplay balance remains intact for all players.
MMORPG: It’s no secret that most Korean MMORPGs that make it over to North America and Europe have lackluster translations and voice direction. Has Kakao Games made any efforts to improve the quality of this in terms of what we’ll see in Chrono Odyssey?
Chrono Studio: Absolutely—we’ve invested significant effort into localization. We’ve worked closely with multilingual experts and professional voice actors to ensure that the story’s quality and emotional impact remain consistent across all languages. Our goal is to deliver an experience that resonates just as deeply with players around the world as it does in its original language.
