MMOexp BnS NEO: A Divisive Platform Decision

MMOexp BnS NEO: A Divisive Platform Decision

During BnS NEO Classic Divine Gems the preview,PvP matches — both 1v1 and 3v3 — looked especially lively. Particle effects flew as combatants executed cinematic attacks and timed dodges. That said,with all this flair,I do wonder if visual clarity might suffer during chaotic engagements. Still,the overall presentation was energetic,polished,and undeniably stylish.

A Divisive Platform Decision

While Blade & Soul Neo shines in many areas,it also faces some self-imposed hurdles — none more pressing than its distribution strategy. NCSoft has decided to bypass Steam entirely for Neo's launch,opting instead to release the game exclusively through its proprietary launcher,Purple.

From a business perspective,this makes sense. By using Purple,NCSoft keeps 100% of any microtransaction revenue,avoiding the 30% cut that platforms like Steam typically take. It's also a chance for the company to bolster the visibility and user base of its own ecosystem.

But here's the issue: for many PC gamers,Steam is PC gaming. It's where they keep their library,track friends,receive updates,and access community features. Even the Epic Games Store,despite huge exclusives and giveaways,continues to struggle against Steam's dominance. Large publishers like Ubisoft,EA,and Microsoft have all tried — and eventually reversed — their “launcher-only” strategies.

In BnS NEO Divine Gems a press Q&A following the demo,Senior Producer Andrew Long acknowledged this,stating that NCSoft is investing in a full Purple marketing campaign. “We're making sure people know what Purple is,and how to get into Blade & Soul Neo,” he explained.