WarpPortal:Blog

This week we are sharing favorite titles we would love to see make a triumphant return.

Nostalgia is strong with us this week. Let’s see what the team is still longing for…

The Legend of Dragoon (PlayStation 1999)

With Ubisoft announcing the cancellation of The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake and Capcom bringing back Mega Man: Dual Override, it got me thinking about game series that deserve another chance in today’s gaming world. With Baldur’s Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 winning numerous Game of the Year awards, turn-based RPGs are clearly back, even if they never truly left in the first place. I believe Sony should also bring back a very underrated RPG released in 1999 for the original PlayStation, The Legend of Dragoon.

Like Expedition 33, The Legend of Dragoon built its main combat mechanics around quick-time events during a player’s attack turn. Players needed to successfully execute these QTE prompts to deal maximum damage or continue their attack combos, called “Additions.” Each character had their own unique Additions with various timings, and more became available as the game progressed. Players could choose an easier Addition with simpler QTE timing for consistent damage or attempt more difficult ones that dealt more serious damage but were harder to execute. There were also extra layers of strategy, such as choosing an Addition with many QTE inputs that dealt lower overall damage but built up the super meter faster, allowing players to unleash stronger attacks later on.

At the time, I felt this was a huge step forward for turn-based games, and it was only recently that I saw the game mechanic refined and expanded in Expedition 33. I hope Sony gives this hidden gem another chance, as I have always enjoyed the work of Japan Studio, now Team Asobi, and would love to see them create a modern RPG.

— Andrew S., Asst. Producer

Mega Man X Franchise (SNES 1994)

Among the greatest games of my youth, Mega Man X4 stands out as my absolute favorite in the iconic Mega Man X series. Released in 1997, it revolutionized the franchise as the first to let players fully control two mechanically distinct heroes—X’s versatile arsenal and Zero’s blistering melee combos—while boasting what I (and many fans) consider the series’ pinnacle soundtrack, from the epic “X’s Theme” to unforgettable boss tracks.

It’s been over 21 years since the last mainline entry, Mega Man X8 in 2005 (excluding spin-offs and collections), leaving a gripping story of endless Maverick uprisings and Reploid evolution on a massive cliffhanger. With Capcom revitalizing Mega Man through successes like Mega Man 11 and the upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override in 2027, now’s the perfect time to continue the X saga. Capcom, give us Mega Man X9—the fans demand it!

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES 1996)

Among the games that shaped my love for RPGs, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars reigns supreme—its whimsical story, iconic timed-hit battles, and unforgettable soundtrack (think “Forest Maze”) hooked me back in 1996 and never let go.

The 2023 Switch remake proved its timeless appeal, selling strong and earning critical acclaim. Yet 30 years after the original—and over two years post-remake—there’s still no sequel, despite endless material from Nintendo’s Mario universe: Rosalina, Bowser Jr., Pauline, and worlds from Galaxy to Odyssey begging for RPG treatment.

Nintendo, deliver Super Mario RPG 2! Keep the classic turn-based core with timed hits, but I’d welcome a hybrid action system like FF7 Remake for modern flair. Fans are ready—make it happen!

—Kevin D., Client Success

Growlanser Series (PC 1999)

If I could pick one franchise for a comeback, it’s Growlanser. Same studio behind Langrisser, and it hit during that sweet spot when tactical RPGs were everywhere and console gaming was really taking off. For a lot of people, myself included, it was the game of that era. Still one of my favorites.
I’ve played many strategy RPGs over the years, but Growlanser always felt different. It wasn’t just the tactical battles. What got me was the storytelling, the way you could shape your party through equipment and skill choices, and how your decisions, down to romance options, actually changed things. It made you want to replay it just to see what you missed.
A lot of modern games lean into these massive, sprawling systems. Which is fine, don’t get me wrong. But Growlanser had this balance that’s hard to find now: deep enough to pull you in, but streamlined enough that the story and your choices stayed front and center. The branching paths, the political drama, the emotional weight, it all gave the series something that still feels pretty unique.
I’d love to see it come back with updated visuals and some quality-of-life tweaks, but without losing what made it special. Keep the meaningful choices. Keep those intimate character arcs. Keep that feeling that what you do, in battle or in dialogue, genuinely matters.
Here’s hoping it gets another shot. Not just remasters, though those would be nice. A real new entry that reminds people why Growlanser left such a mark in the first place.

—Justin J.,  Astt. Project Manager

Genji: Days of the Blade (PlayStation 3 2006)
I’ve always had a soft spot for Genji: Days of the Blade. The visual design was great and its take on Japanese mythology felt more thoughtful than most games at the time. This one felt like a close cousin of the Onimusha series which I also enjoyed. Sure, it got caught up in the PS3’s rocky launch—remember that “giant enemy crab” moment?—but there’s real artistry here. A remake could finally let this game exist on its own terms.

Shadow of Destiny (PlayStation 2)
Shadow of Destiny was unusual for 2001: no combat, just story and time manipulation. The weird thing about this one is you explore a German town trying to prevent your own murder – which already happened!
There’s a genuine mystery here, the kind that asks you to think rather than just react. In an era obsessed with dopamine hits and shooter mechanics, that patient, contemplative approach feels almost radical now.
This is exactly the type of game I’d love to see remade.

Vagrant Story (2000, PlayStation 2000)
Honestly? Top of my remake wishlist. Square took a huge swing with Vagrant Story—the weapon crafting alone was absurdly complex—and it had this dark, oppressive atmosphere that felt nothing like their other RPGs. Matsuno’s fingerprints are everywhere: political intrigue, Shakespeare references, haunting art direction. I’d love a remake that smooths out those systems without dumbing them down. My one gripe was how Ashley felt removed from the plot, like you’re just observing this conspiracy until the very end. A modern version could fix that disconnect.

Mega Man Legends (PlayStation 1997)
If there’s one game that deserves a second chance, it’s this. Mega Man Legends turned a brutal platformer franchise into an open-ended adventure with actual towns and NPCs you cared about. Kicking trash cans for money, chatting with Roll between missions—it made the world feel lived-in. Refreshing to play something that wasn’t chasing white-knuckle intensity. A remake could flesh out Kattelox Island more while keeping that warm, exploratory spirit.
These are the games I keep coming back to. They took risks that didn’t pay off commercially, but the ideas are worth revisiting.

—Mace T., Project Manager

That’s all for now! Thanks for hanging out with us.
We’ll be back next week for more gaming fun.

This week we’re taking a look at what some of the team are playing in their down-time.
Let’s check it out!

I want to talk about the game that makes me see red and brings me great displeasure when it should be bringing me joy, and that game is League of Legends. I think I like it, since I keep coming back to it like an ex I know in my heart is not good for me. I play ranked, so maybe that is the reason why. It feels like being on a sinking boat with four other people. Everyone is trying to throw water out, but sometimes there is someone who is actively pouring it back in.

And yet, there is so much that I love about it. I genuinely enjoy the gameplay, and I absolutely adore the setting and characters that Riot Games has created. I am always excited to see the new content Riot introduces to its 17-year-old game. While not every idea turns to gold, they are one of the few companies that take the time to explain why certain decisions are made and are willing to reverse them when needed, sometimes improving them beyond their original state. I have nothing but admiration for them, both as a game developer and as a gamer. Then again, at times they continue to make question decision that make you want to scratch your head. I believe Tyler1 sums up my relationship with League.

—Andrew S., Asst. Producer

Out of all the games I rotate through, I’ve found myself coming back to Teamfight Tactics lately—and honestly, it reminds me why I loved it in the first place.

In a world full of flashy action games and fast dopamine hits, TFT feels different. It actually makes you think. Every match is a puzzle: managing gold, reading the lobby, deciding when to roll or level, pivoting comps when the shop refuses to cooperate, and positioning units just right before a big fight. You’re constantly balancing risk and reward, and one good decision can flip an entire game.

What I enjoy most is that no two runs feel the same. Even if you start with the same opening, the augments, items, and opponents push you down completely different paths each time. It’s the kind of game where you can lose and still walk away thinking, “Okay… I know exactly what I should’ve done better.” And then queue right back up.

Among all the modern games competing for attention, TFT stands out as something that rewards patience, planning, and adaptation. It doesn’t just test your reflexes—it tests how well you can read situations and stay flexible.

—Justin J., Asst. Project Manager

Like many RPG fans, I have far too many games to work thru but, for 2026, I’ve decided to only focus on titles I have never played despite the call to replay my long-time favorites.

Currently, I’m working on Dragon’s Dogma 2 on PS5. I say ‘working on’ because I’ve been trying to get past one quest for a while now.
While the game feels more like a remake than a sequel, I’m really enjoying it. Certainly not one of Capcom’s more well-known series but it’s refreshing to get down to some straight-forward RPG adventuring without the typical dopamine spiking quests and activities found in many modern games. DD2 does a good job of slowing down the adventure and letting you explore. It can be faulted for a lot – and I mean A LOT – of backtracking, but the exploration has been one the most refreshing and rewarding times I’ve had lately.

On mobile, I’m logging in daily to Monopoly Go as I want some of the cosmetic rewards from the Harry Potter event which is in its later stages now.

It’s somewhat weird that I’m not knee-deep in a MMORPG right now as it’s still my overall favorite category but personal projects are pulling me out of that genre due to time constraints.

Looking forward to finishing Dragon’s Dogma 2 so I can try the upcoming Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined and Final Fantasy I on mobile. So quaint!

—Mace T., Project Manager

Thanks for checking out what we’re grinding in our free time.
We’ll be back next week!

This week, we discuss a hot topic in gaming and where we see the industry in early 2026.

My Take on Using AI

In simple terms, I stand on both sides. AI has become part of the industry, and the industry we have already been using it in countless areas without even realizing it.

If we narrow the focus to gaming, AI is becoming even more deeply integrated. From QA and customer support to asset creation, marketing banners, videos, and even full game development, AI tools are now everywhere. They are powerful, efficient, and often catch things that the human eye might miss.

But there is a trade-off. AI-generated work can lose some of the human essence—creativity, emotion, and the unique perspective that comes from lived experience. And no matter how advanced the model is, sometimes the results simply don’t match what a human mind can imagine.

That’s why we still need human professionals—not only to create and interpret ideas, but to guide, refine, and verify what AI produces. AI is an amazing tool, but it works best alongside people, not instead of them.

—Justin J., – Asst. Project Manager

AI in the gaming industry

When Larion Studios announced their next project, “Divinity”, I was beyond ecstatic. I fell in love with Baldur’s Gate 3, and I could not wait to play their next title. Just before the year ended, Larion Studios’ CEO interviewed with Bloomberg and said that the studio is experimenting with AI tools for the production of Divinity. Instead of creating more anticipation for Larion’s next title, it shifts the discussion to concerns of AI usage in the gaming industry. The discussion was so heated that Larion reversed the decision in their Reddit AMA. This is not just a one-off; Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 got disqualified for AI usage from the Indie Game Awards after winning their game of the year. This topic is not going away anytime soon in the gaming industry, but it begs the question of how the gaming companies should approach the usage of AI.

There is a current trend in mobile game marketing that highlights how developers tone down or completely remove annoying mechanics that are often stigmatized in mobile games, such as forced ads, paywalls, and gacha systems. Would players appreciate a similar approach if the studio clearly stated that their game is “AI-free,” or what about if the studios and developers were upfront about the type of AI they used? It could be something similar to Steam’s disclosure system, which highlights the type of AI that was used in the game. Should Steam and other gaming platforms allow users to filter games that include AI content so they can decide for themselves?

AI may be an inevitable tool in modern gaming development, but at the very least, being honest and transparent to the players who helped make gaming what it is (for better or for worse) may help them make informed choices about the games they want to support.

—Andrew S., Asst. Producer

Here’s the good thing about this topic: it’s broad and controversial.
That’s actually a good thing. It means we’re talking, figuring out where AI fits and where we want the gaming industry to go.

The danger? Letting fear and ignorance dominate the conversation. That’s true in gaming, and honestly, it’s true everywhere. When companies aren’t transparent about their AI use, it feeds that fear. People don’t trust AI in games because it feels like another step away from human creativity. Find out a game you love used AI without telling you? That distrust deepens. It’s disappointing if you’re against AI, sure, but I think it hurts more when companies just aren’t open about their practices in the first place.

And this lack of transparency is playing out against a backdrop of exploding costs.

Look at what we’re dealing with:

ESTIMATED GAME BUDGETS
Grand Theft Auto V (2013) – $137M
Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011) – $200M
Horizon Forbidden West (2022) – $212M
Last of Us Part II (2020) – $220M

These budgets have ballooned. In some cases, they now surpass what big-budget films cost. High budgets are no guarantee of success, either. It’s easy to see why companies are hunting for cost savings. We all know it’s not necessary to spend hundreds of millions to make a fun, rewarding game. Mobile games prove that every day.
But gamers expect more, even though game quality is already unbelievable. The consequence? Higher retail prices. I also think it’s inevitable that companies will keep cutting costs to please investors. Gamers don’t want mass layoffs, but as budgets and expectations inflate, the cost cutting has to come from somewhere.

This is where AI enters, whether gamers are ready or not. One trend we’re seeing, especially across the Pacific, is high AI usage in game production. It lets small teams scale and iterate quickly. The software industry has already been reshaped by AI coding, and that’s only going to accelerate as models get smarter. Games are a mixture of art, music, design, and software. AI is going to touch all of it, especially as companies look to rein in those ballooning costs.

For now, gaming companies are admitting to AI use, mostly for productivity: Ubisoft’s Ghostwriter for NPC dialogue, Unity’s Muse tools, Roblox’s generative textures. These are examples of companies being at least somewhat transparent, testing the waters with specific applications. But how long until AI becomes ready and accepted for full production? Not just for novelty or dialogue support like in inZOI, but woven into every layer of production the way we’re already seeing in China’s WeChat HTML5 game space?

Policymakers are watching. They’re just starting to draft AI legislation, which will essentially give companies permission slips to use AI more openly and at larger scale. But how AI will actually be used, how much it’ll reshape gaming, hiring, and whether companies will be honest about it? Still a mystery.

—Mace T., Project Manager

Thank you for spending your time with us while we think about this fast-changing and wide-reaching topic.

See you next week! Have a great weekend!

We’re back! Happy New Year everyone!!

This week we’re looking at upcoming games for 2026 (or beyond). Let’s jump in!

Grand Theft Auto 6

One of the upcoming 2026 releases that excites me the most is GTA 6. The Grand Theft Auto series has always been more than just a game—it’s a cultural icon that has evolved with every generation of players. From the original GTA 1 with its top-down view and blocky, paper-cutout characters, the franchise has continuously pushed boundaries in storytelling, technology, and freedom of play. Watching it grow from simple chaos on tiny maps to sprawling open worlds with lifelike characters and cinematic narratives feels like witnessing the evolution of gaming itself. If GTA 6 delivers on what Rockstar promises, it could become another milestone that redefines what is possible in video games.

—Justin J., Asst. Project Manager

Marvel: Tohkon Fighting Souls

2025 was an incredible year for gaming, and I cannot wait to see what 2026 has in store.
While many people initially expected it to be dominated by Grand Theft Auto VI, I would not be surprised if the game ends up being delayed until 2027. Even so, I firmly believe that 2026 will still be an outstanding year for gamers.

As a huge fighting game fan, I am especially excited for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game (name could be subject to change). I love both of these IPs, and I love the genre. I have always felt they were a perfect match. I cannot wait to see more from the developers as they showcase these titles later this year.

There is one more game I am definitely keeping my eye on, and that is Ragnarok 3, which is being published by our sister company, Gravity Game Vision, and developed by Joymakers. Based on the reveals and trailers released so far, it is clear that the game is aiming for a return to form, highlighted by the tagline “RO, as it was meant to be.”

It is a funny thing to admit as a producer at Gravity, but I do not have a deep personal history with Ragnarok. That being said, I have clearly noticed the incredible passion players have for RO1. I cannot help but feel a bit envious, and it makes me want to experience the game the same way players do. I sincerely hope the team at Joymakers delivers the best version of RO3 that fans have been waiting for, because they truly deserve it.

—Andrew S., Asst. Producer

Ragnarok M: Eternal Love 2

From Gravity, we have a a huge portfolio of RO titles planned for release including two new entries which I am excited about.

Ragnarok Abyss: this game promises a more open world adventure where traditional zone boundaries are removed to create a more immersive experience for players. Other notable features slot the game more into the adventure category like: true day/night cycles and treasures and puzzles hidden throughout the world.

Ragnarok M: Eternal Love 2: this game aims to reach a visual and engagement level more similar to titles like Genshin Impact with rich visuals and deeper open worlds to explore.

Based on the ambition of these two projects, the future of RO seems to be expanding beyond instanced, compartmentalized story-telling.

From the industry, I’m looking to forward to what I expect will be a juggernaut at launch: Final Fantasy XIV: Mobile. I spent a great amount of time playing the game across platforms and look forward to experiencing the world of Eorzea in a new setting. While the UI design is not really my cup of tea I do think the systems of FFXIV are more suited to a handheld experience – including the combat.

I’m also keeping an eye on Fable (tho I think Xbox has really lost its way) and an absolute must buy for me, from Square Enix’s massive remake portfolio, is Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. This one looks to really lean into why SE is such a treasure for fans of craft and artistic taste in the RPG game industry

Seeing how game teams adapt to fast changing technology is the theme I’m looking forward to in 2026.

Despite innovations in AI and hybrid strategies across big titles in mobile gaming, many AA and AAA new releases still feel technically traditional, with limited online integrations beyond leaderboards and co-op play.
Heavy emphasis on narrative themes can make technical progress harder to notice unless those improvements are related to obvious visual enhancements. I’m anticipating more hybrid game styles across PC and console but not holding my breath. Indie and small team success has definitely been impacted by different combinations of rogue-like and card battlers, so we’ll see if the trend continues or moves to a new hybrid mix.

I also expect amazing hybrid innovation across mobile gaming as teams need to generate new hooks to stand out in a very aggressive, profitable, and competitive landscape.

Another  hot and controversial topic for games is the use of generative AI which more leaders in gaming have admitted they may be using in development and production now, tho often quietly.
I expect more flair-ups like what happened with Expedition 33 and many more titles this year. Based on the complex sets of data needed to innovate in large-scale games, many players might be shocked to know how often AI is already being used and how. In my view, despite the backlash and trendy talk of an AI bubble, it may not be so much a matter of “if” but of “when” game teams will use AI in their projects.

We shall see…

—Mace T., Project Manager

That’s it for now.
Thanks for joining us for our quick snapshot of what we are excited about in gaming for 2026.

Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined

Disclaimer: All release dates or windows are subject to change based on the IP holder’s schedule and intent

The Ragnarok Festa 2025 Presented by OneOne gaming festival was officially held on December 13, 2025, at UOB Live Hall, EmSphere, Bangkok and was organized by Gravity, the publisher of Ragnarok Online.

Ragnarok Festa is a large-scale festival that brings together multiple versions of the Ragnarok franchise, along with international-level eSports competitions, all in one place. It is truly an event created especially for Ragnarok fans. First launched in 2024, the festival received an overwhelmingly positive response.

This year, Ragnarok Festa 2025 Presented by OneOne was themed around Geffen, the City of Magic, delivering nonstop fun for attendees throughout the day. It truly lived up to expectations, packed with exciting activities—and best of all, admission to the event was completely free.

Hundreds of people!

Opening with Orchestra Ragnarok theme song which re-arranged for this event!

Opening Ceremony by Mr. Kitamura Yoshinori – Chairman of the Board, COO – Gravity

Enjoy 4 grand final esports tournaments in one event!

Watch a mini concert from PiXXiE

Cosplayers!

A lot of giveaway from 18 Ragnarok IP’s booths!

It can truly be said that Ragnarok Festa was absolutely on another level this year—from the atmosphere and giveaways to the wide variety of activities.

For anyone who missed the event, there’s no need to worry, as Gravity will continue to deliver fun experiences and host great events like this throughout 2026. And most importantly, get ready for Ragnarok Festa 2026!

Photos courtesy of Gravity Game Tech
https://www.facebook.com/gravitygametech