SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NHN (KRX: 181710, CEO Jung Woo-jin) announced today that its zombie apocalypse game Darkest Days successfully concluded its global test, which ran from February 24 to March 3, engaging players from around the world.

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Darkest Days successfully concluded its eight-day global test, attracting approximately 57,000 players from 107 countries (Image: NHN)

Darkest Days is an open-world shooting RPG developed in-house by NHN. The game previously underwent two closed beta tests (CBTs) in South Korea, where valuable player feedback was incorporated. For this global test, both PC and mobile versions were made available with refined core mechanics, allowing NHN to assess and validate game stability and overall quality. Notably, the PC version was introduced to the public for the first time through Steam Next Fest, drawing significant attention.

The global test ran for eight days, attracting approximately 57,000 players from 107 countries. The test successfully confirmed both player satisfaction and positive reception from the target audience regarding the game’s overall quality. Notably, the game achieved outstanding results on the global stage. The highest participation came from the United States, Brazil, and China, regions known for their strong affinity for shooting games. South Korean players demonstrated the highest average playtime per user, showing engagement levels comparable to global markets.

The game’s three multiplayer modes—Zombie Defense, Co-op Boss Raid, and Conflict Zone—were well received by players, who praised the gameplay’s fun and immersive qualities. In particular, the co-op boss battle against “Necropula” saw 87 attempts, with 75 successful defeats, marking an 86% success rate and providing players with a strong sense of accomplishment. Additionally, two players reached the max level 40 during the test, showcasing remarkable dedication.

Following the global test, Darkest Days continues to gain traction on Steam, with wishlist registrations surpassing 150,000 users. The game also made waves during Steam Next Fest, securing a top ranking in the “Most Anticipated Upcoming Games” and “Most Played Demos” categories, further fueling anticipation for its upcoming launch of OBT.

NHN has officially scheduled the Open Beta Test (OBT) for late April, aiming to strengthen the foundation for its global rollout. Initially planned for a Q1 release, the decision to adjust the schedule was made to further refine core gameplay elements and address key player feedback gathered from both the Korean CBT and the global test. The development team is currently focusing on improving the PC UI, optimizing sound design, and enhancing gameplay depth across all modes to ensure a more polished and engaging experience at launch.

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