Key Takeaways

### Meeting Takeaways: Interview on Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G8 and Nexon’s “The First Descendant”

**Purpose of Discussion:**
– The focus of the meeting was to explore the collaboration between Samsung and Nexon Games regarding the development of “The First Descendant,” highlighting how the Odyssey OLED G8 monitor played a crucial role in enhancing game development and player experience.

**Key Insights:**

1. **Game Overview:**
– “The First Descendant” is a looter-shooter game that combines third-person shooter (TPS) mechanics with RPG elements, emphasizing storytelling, character development, and high-quality graphics.

2. **Nexon’s Historical Context:**
– Founded in 1994, Nexon is a global leader in online gaming, known for titles like MapleStory and Dungeon & Fighter.

3. **Role of Technology in Development:**
– **Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:**
– Provides exceptional display capabilities that enhance game graphics, colours, and response times, vital for immersive gameplay.
– Features HDR10+ GAMING, enabling superior image quality tailored for responsive gaming experiences.

4. **Development Contributions:**
– **Junhwan Kim (Lead Programmer):** Focuses on integrating essential game elements (graphics, sound, physics) and highlighted the need for high-quality displays for superior visual fidelity.
– **Sinwook Wi (Lead World Concept Artist):** Concentrates on environmental design that integrates storytelling and immersive aesthetics.

5. **Unique Selling Points of “The First Descendant”:**
– Use of Unreal Engine 5’s Nanite technology for high-detail graphics and Lumen for dynamic light rendering.
– The game’s setting features a rich narrative within an apocalyptic world, promoting both visual engagement and emotional connection.

6. **Monitor Features and Benefits:**
– **Dual Display Experience:** Easy switching between 16:9 for work and 21:9 for gaming enhances versatility.
– **Multiple Input Support:** Allows for testing across different platforms efficiently.
– **Game Bar Feature:** Enhances gameplay experience with specific modes (like FPS) that adjust brightness and sound.

7. **Recommendations for Players:**
– Both Kim and Wi recommend the Odyssey OLED G8 for its high refresh rates, colour accuracy, and fast response times, making it ideal for both gamers and developers.

8. **Final Remarks:**
– Kim emphasized that “The First Descendant” is designed to be experienced with the Odyssey OLED G8 to fully appreciate its visual artistry.
– Wi noted the balance the monitor provides for resolution and accurate colour representation, which is crucial in both gameplay and development.

### Action Items:
– Ensure alignment between the visual and technical aspects of game development to take advantage of the capabilities offered by the Odyssey OLED G8.
– Explore further marketing strategies that highlight the collaboration between Samsung and Nexon for the promotion of “The First Descendant.”

### Next Steps:
– Follow up with Nexon developers for ongoing updates as the release of “The First Descendant” approaches.
– Discuss additional opportunities for collaboration or technology integration that may benefit future gaming projects.

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Summary of [Interview] Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G8 Joins the Journey of Creating ‘The First Descendant’ With Nexon Developers

 “Playing The First Descendant on the Odyssey monitor with HDR10+ GAMING[1] allows you to experience the game’s vivid, high-quality graphics at their best”

– Junhwan Kim, Lead programmer, Engine Program team, Nexon Games

 

Game development is an art, and like any masterpiece, it requires the right tools. Nexon’s upcoming title, The First Descendant, is set to redefine the looter-shooter genre with its stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. At the heart of this development process is Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G8 — a monitor that not only displays these graphics but can elevate them to a new level of realism.

 

Join us as we dive into the behind-the-scenes journey with the developers at Nexon Games, who reveal how this cutting-edge display technology has helped bring their ambitious vision to life. From the precision of colour to the speed of response, discover why the Odyssey OLED G8 is more than just a monitor — it’s a game-changer in the industry.

 

 

Founded in 1994, Nexon has become a global leader in online gaming. Known for creating popular titles like MapleStory, Dungeon & Fighter and KartRider, Nexon continues to push boundaries in the gaming world. This year, the company introduced The First Descendant, a looter-shooter that attracted 260,000 concurrent players at launch. Nexon is focused on expanding its global reach and adapting to the fast-changing gaming industry. In 2021, Nexon completed the acquisition of Embark Studios AB, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden, developing multiple projects for global release.

 

 

 

Q. Can you tell us about your role in developing The First Descendant and how you contributed to the game’s creation?

 

Kim: I’m responsible for the game engine. I develop the software that integrates essential elements like graphics, sound and physics engines, make them work seamlessly together.

 

Wi: I handle the environmental concept design. My role involves creating the overall concept of the game and designing the backgrounds and characters to fit within that environment.

 

 

 

Q. What sets The First Descendant apart? What were some of the key innovations and design choices that defined your approach?

 

Kim: The First Descendant is a looter shooter that blends third-person shooter (TPS) mechanics with role-playing game (RPG) elements. It features spectacular combat scenes, high-quality graphics and a rich loot system filled with powerful guns and gear. The core of the game lies in its storytelling, character development and the pursuit of the best weapons and equipment.

 

A major focus for us was bringing the open world of The First Descendant to life through cutting-edge graphics. Using Unreal Engine 5, we leveraged Nanite to achieve highly detailed environments, allowing us to render complex landscapes and objects with incredible precision. This was crucial for creating an immersive open-world experience where players can explore vast and visually stunning environments. Lumen played a significant role as well, enabling real-time lighting that reacts dynamically to the game’s world and characters, further enhancing the realism of the gameplay.

 

* Open World: A game design element that allows players to freely explore most areas with minimal restrictions.

* Unreal Engine 5: A game engine developed by Epic Games, known for key features like Nanite, which efficiently handles high-capacity graphics, and Lumen, which enhances lighting effects.

 

 

Wi: The game is set in an apocalyptic world where factions — each with their own traditions — battle for survival. The story follows humanity’s fight against the Vulgus, invaders who nearly wiped out the human race. Players take on the role of descendants, embarking on a quest to find the Iron Heart, the ultimate weapon to end the war.

 

On the design front, our goal was to create an apocalyptic world that felt rich and immersive while avoiding the overly dark and futuristic look often seen in similar settings. The environment itself is a key part of the storytelling. So, we integrated colourful, future-oriented designs for city of Albion to balance the grim atmosphere with a sense of hope. This approach doesn’t just end at the visual appeal but also helps the game engage players on an emotional level, too.

 

 

 

Q. As a game developer, what do you consider the most important factors in creating a visually immersive gaming experience?

 

Kim: A high-quality display is crucial to accurately present the game’s graphics and visuals. Today’s gaming standards demand seamless gameplay with vibrant graphics, high frame rates, detailed resolutions and minimal input lag. To fully experience these advancements, it’s crucial to use a gaming monitor with high resolution, a wide colour gamut and fast response times.

 

As part of our collaboration with Samsung, I received the Odyssey OLED G8 during the development of The First Descendant, and what stood out to me was the monitor’s awesome display quality — colour accuracy, expressions and its quick response time. The monitor delivers colours and contrast with a high level of precision, which was crucial for developing the game. The 0.03ms (GTG) response time made a noticeable difference during our demonstrations as well.[1]

 

“[With the Odyssey OLED G8,] You get two distinct display experiences with a single monitor—16:9 for working and 21:9 for playing”

– Wi Sinwook, Lead World Concept Artist, Environmental Concept Design team, Nexon Games

 

Wi: As a World Concept Artist, I constantly ask myself, “How can I best convey the immersive universe to players?” I want players to experience every detail of the environments and even the subtle expressions of the characters as they were intended. For that, a display accurately reproduces colours and fine details is crucial. When players can see the subtle nuances in shading and the vibrant colours, it significantly enhances their immersion in the game.

 

 

 

Q. Other than picture quality, were there any other the Odyssey OLED G8 features that stood out when you were working on and demonstrating the game?

 

Kim: The First Descendant is a multi-platform game, available on PC (Steam) and consoles. The fact that the Odyssey OLED G8 supports up to three external inputs[2], was especially helpful when we were testing across the different platforms. The sleek, metal design also saved space and complemented the game’s sci-fi aesthetic.

 

 

Wi: Working on the design and demonstrating the game on the Odyssey OLED G8, I found the gameplay smoother and more comfortable compared to my previous monitor. The colours and contrast were balanced and accurate, even on the big screen.

 

I also really appreciated the ability to switch the screen ratio between 16:9 and 21:9 with just a single setting change. Normally, I avoid wide monitors due to the viewing angle, but the Odyssey OLED G8 made it convenient to switch between ratios for different tasks — 16:9 for working and 21:9 for demonstrating the game. The big advantage is that you get two distinct display experiences with a single monitor.

 

 

“The fact that the Odyssey OLED G8 supports up to three external inputs, was especially helpful when we were testing across platforms like PCs and different consoles”

– Junhwan Kim, Lead Programmer, Engine Program team, Nexon Games

 

 

Q. What features of the Odyssey OLED G8 do you think will elevate the experience for The First Descendant players?

 

Kim: The First Descendant is the world’s first HDR10+ GAMING title. We collaborated with Samsung to implement this technology in our game, optimising peak brightness of the monitor and supporting standard HDR without the need for manual adjustments[3]. Playing The First Descendant on the Odyssey monitor with HDR10+ GAMING[4] allows you to experience the game’s vivid, high-quality graphics at their best.

 

* HDR10+ GAMING: A gaming technology that helps enhance image quality by analysing game content to enhance the depth of graphics and supporting features like response time and Auto HDR.

 

 

Wi: Unlike my previous monitor, where colours near the edges tended to darken, the Odyssey OLED G8 maintained consistent brightness across the entire screen. The thin frame and bezel also made it easier to focus on the game.

 

 

Kim: I also found the Game Bar feature to be helpful. When the Odyssey OLED G8 is connected to a PC or console, it automatically calls up the Game Bar. Selecting FPS mode in the Game Bar brightens dark areas in the game, giving you an advantage over hidden enemies. Also, the sound becomes rich, further enhancing the immersion.

 

 

 

Q. Any final words for The First Descendant players?

 

Kim: If you’re a fan of The First Descendant, or any third-person shooter (TPS) game with high-quality graphics, the Odyssey OLED G8 is an excellent choice. It has high refresh rate, wide colour gamut and fast response time, which really enhance the gaming experience.

 

Wi: I’ve always debated between choosing a monitor with high resolution and refresh rate for gameplay versus one with accurate colours and contrast for development. The Odyssey OLED G8 meets both needs, so I can confidently recommend it to any gamer…or developer!

 

 

 

[1] Based on GtG measured under internal test conditions. Results may vary by content, monitor settings and the performance of the input source.

[2] Supports 2 HDMI 2.1 cables, one Display Port 1.4 and three USB 3.0 ports (1 Up, 2 Down)

[3] To use HDR10+ GAMING, the content must be HDR10+ GAMING compatible, and additional settings may need to be adjusted depending on the content.

[4] HRD10+GAMING compatible monitors include Odyssey OLED G8 32 inch G80SD Gaming Monitor, 57″ DUHD Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC Gaming Monitor, and 27″ Odyssey OLED G6 G60SD QHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor.

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