Key information
Nexon has provided an update on Mabinogi Eternity, a project initiated in 2023 to transition the 22-year-old MMORPG Mabinogi from its legacy Playone engine to Unreal Engine 5. The developer emphasizes that this engine migration is intended to ensure the game's long-term viability rather than creating a sequel.
The team is utilizing modern technology to realize original design concepts previously hindered by technical limitations. For instance, the Dunbarton fountain now features flowing water as originally intended, and school rooftops have been updated with flags and bells based on early design sketches. These changes aim to enhance immersion while maintaining the game's core identity.
To preserve the game's signature aesthetic, the developers are retaining cel-shading and hand-drawn styles. They implemented a hybrid system for character expressions, combining 3D structures with texture-based rendering to maintain classic stylized features like mouth movements that extend beyond facial contours. Additionally, UE5's lighting and atmospheric rendering are being used to refine the environment.
Following a four-day Alpha test in Korea, the team reported positive feedback regarding new visual effects, music, and character customization. However, they acknowledged that UI, font, and interaction systems require further refinement. The developers are currently prioritizing these areas for future improvements as they continue the complex process of migrating and reconfiguring legacy assets.
