New survival FPS Like or Die makes global debut as NCsoft expands beyond its traditional MMORPG portfolio
NCsoft unveiled three major titles — AION 2, CINDER CITY and the newly announced Like or Die — at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, as the South Korean game developer accelerates its push into the global PC gaming market.
The company presented new footage for AION 2 and CINDER CITY during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, while Like or Die, a team-based survival first-person shooter currently in development, made its global debut.
The lineup highlights NCsoft’s effort to broaden its global portfolio beyond the MMORPG genre that has historically formed the core of its business.
AION 2 Heads for Global Launch on Oct. 5
AION 2, one of NCsoft’s most anticipated upcoming titles, will launch globally on Oct. 5 across North America, South America, Europe and Asia.
The game will be available on PC through platforms including Steam and NCsoft’s PURPLE service.
Ahead of the release, NCsoft will conduct a two-day “Launch Scale Test” on Sept. 17 and 18. The test will replicate the live service environment to evaluate server and infrastructure stability while giving players an opportunity to experience the game before its official launch.
AION 2 is a successor to NCsoft’s long-running AION intellectual property and is expected to play a central role in the company’s effort to expand its international PC audience.
CINDER CITY Brings a Dystopian Seoul to Gamescom
NCsoft also released a new cinematic trailer for CINDER CITY, presenting the game’s dystopian vision of Seoul and the events that lead to the collapse of the 21st-century world.
The company has already begun testing the title with overseas players. A pre-alpha playtest was held for U.S. users from Aug. 14 to 16 as NCsoft works toward a global release.
CINDER CITY adds another genre to the publisher’s international lineup and uses a recognizable Korean urban setting as a key part of its fictional world.
Like or Die Marks NCsoft’s New FPS Push
Gamescom also provided the first global look at Like or Die, a team-based survival FPS being developed by NCsoft.
Players take on the role of streamers competing alongside teammates to become the last surviving team. The debut trailer showed several of the game’s core mechanics, including combat involving “Blocks” and battles to destroy an opposing team’s “Nexus.”
NCsoft is positioning the title around fast-paced combat and strategic team play. Like or Die is now available to add to wishlists on Steam.
The introduction of an original survival FPS alongside AION 2 and CINDER CITY is notable for a company traditionally associated with MMORPG franchises.
NCsoft is also operating a booth in the B2B area at Gamescom 2026, which opened on Aug. 26, where it is presenting its new titles to international media and gaming industry representatives.
By putting an MMORPG, a dystopian shooter and a new team-based survival FPS on the same global stage, NCsoft is signaling a broader strategy: diversify its genres, expand its PC audience and reduce its reliance on the traditional MMORPG market as it seeks stronger growth outside South Korea.
