Nexon has announced the global shutdown of KartRider: Drift, the mobile, console, and PC title launched in January 2023. The game will cease operation later this year across all global platforms.
Asian Servers Remain Operational
The good news is that the Asian versions (Taiwan and South Korea) will continue operation. However, Nexon plans to revamp the Asian service, though specifics remain undisclosed. There's no word yet on potential future relaunches of the global version.
Global Shutdown Timing
The exact date of the global shutdown hasn't been revealed by Nexon. The game is currently still available on the Google Play Store, allowing players a final opportunity to experience it before the end of the year.
Reasons Behind the Shutdown
Despite efforts to deliver a smooth global experience, KartRider: Drift faced significant challenges. Player feedback highlighted frustration with excessive automation, leading to repetitive gameplay. Technical issues, including optimization problems on certain Android devices and numerous bugs, further hampered the game's success. These factors ultimately prompted Nexon to reassess their global strategy.
The company is now refocusing its efforts on the Korean and Taiwanese PC versions, aiming to revitalize the game's original concept.
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