How much do you love Jimin, Jungkook, and all the members of BTS? Do you want to make them yours? Do you even know how they started (and what’s their zodiac signs)?
Introducing BTS World, a new game by the K-pop group with millions of fans screaming for their names!
BTS World is developed by Big Hit Entertainment and published by Netmarble. In 2018, it was announced that development of the game had begun.
After a year, BTS World releases on the App Store and Play Store on June 26, 2019. Inevitably, with BTS’ phenomenon success, the game instantly hit peak ranking 1st in app stores all over the world. Similarly on twitter, it was one of the hottest topics on the 2nd worldwide trend as well!
The development of BTS World was announced on January 25, 2018, through the game’s official twitter account – @BTSW_official. Fans of the boyband were hyped up from the first video teaser released 5 days later, sparking curiosity on the ofiicial launch date and how the game interface will look like.
Afterwards, more and more teasers are uploaded teasing the fans with heaps of attention. It includes the teaser pictures of member’s individual story which will be revealed later through the game.
After that, more and more teasers were released to feed the trollop of fans hungering for the game. Teasers included images of the boy band’s members’ personal stories which players can unlock more of as they progress through the game.
BTS World is definitely targeted at fans who are also nicknamed “ARMY”. The game allows fans to feel personally engaged with the individual members of BTS, and grows an affinity within them as the virtual manager of the group, reliving the members’ journey from their debut days to the time they became K-pop sensations.
Players roleplay as managers to receive various missions by selecting cards depicted with BTS member images. These cards are then used to complete missions and progress through the game. Players experience fun through different interactive scenarios with BTS members. More stories are unlocked as player collect and upgrade cards.
The commitment level with the creation of ‘BTS World’ can be seen through the meticulous planning and strategizing of the game. A total of 10,000 new photos and 100 vides content were specifically prepared for this game. It is said that the BTS members practiced acting to prepare for the filming of more than 100 drama episodes in it. This creates a brand new exposure and excitement for fans to anticipate.
A soundtrack album “BTS World: Original Soundtrack” is also released in combination with the game. The album has 14 songs, including 3 lead singles and a brand new track “Heartbeat”, which includes a music video of the stories of BTS’ members. Sources confirmed that the members personally participated in the music creation!
The official worldwide release, outside of the game, for “Heartbeat” is scheduled on June 28, 2019. It is also the date when the soundtrack album officially goes to stores. Players of BTS World, however, have early access to the song once they unlock Chapter 1, Mission 14 of the game.
Those who have listened to “Heartbeat” had their hearts beating really fast, being touched by the lyrics. It was a beautiful and meaningful message from BTS to their ARMY, to thank them for their loyalty all through their journey to stardom.
Fans have had their heartstrings tugged, as they showed positive reactions after listening and watching the music video.
BTS World is slated to have a constant stream of updates to provide new events and missions.
As a mobile game, BTS World is a refreshing idea for music fans who have always taken a passive position in regards to their favorite band. Now, they can roleplay as their virtual manager and personally witness one-to-one interactions with their favorite members. The development time may not be long compared to other games, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy VII, but for a music genre, a whole year is quite the wait, and the wait has proven to be worth it.
The next time we should look forward to maximize the fangirling/fanboying experience is via VR. What say you to meeting your favorite artiste in the virtual flesh?
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