North American developer Theorycraft Games is working on an action sandbox game called SUPERVIVE. Originally known as "Project Loki," this game has been in development since the company’s founding in 2020. Recently, NEXON took on the publishing responsibilities for SUPERVIVE in Korea and Japan, making waves in the gaming community.
Theorycraft Games comprises veteran developers who have worked on major global titles, including Joe Tung, Michael Evans, and Areeb Pirani, studio leaders at Riot Games, Bungie, and Blizzard Entertainment. SUPERVIVE is being developed with the ambitious goal of providing over 10,000 hours of gameplay. The game’s development has been refined through more than 50 global tests.
 |
NEXON recently held a media hands-on event for SUPERVIVE. The version showcased was still undergoing Korean subtitle work, but the localization was clear enough for smooth understanding. After playing, the experience could be summed up in one word: familiar.
In SUPERVIVE, teams consist of 2 to 4 players, with 10 teams battling it out in each match. The demo offered three game modes: Duos, Squads, and Practice. Once matchmaking is complete, players have 10 seconds to choose from one of 14 available characters.
 |
 |
During character selection, players can designate a drop leader. The drop leader is responsible for choosing the deployment point as the team's vehicle approaches the battlefield. The drop location must be along a predetermined flight path. Once the vehicle reaches the selected drop zone, the team will deploy simultaneously using drop pods.
 |
The map is vast, divided into seven regions with unique ecosystems, and certain regions feature special powers or shop items. Additionally, each match has a randomly designated Hot Zone where higher-tier rewards are concentrated. Strategically dropping near these Hot Zones can offer a significant advantage.
 |
The map is divided into islands, making certain areas inaccessible on foot. To cross these gaps, players can use gliders. However, be cautious: while gliding, you are vulnerable to attacks, and a fall will result in instant death.
 |
To keep things interesting, the game introduces a mechanic called Storm Shifts, which changes elements of the gameplay. This could mean unlimited glider usage, periodic bomb drops on the map, early visibility of the final storm zone, or an increased number of trains appearing, among other gimmicks.
The map is filled with interactive objects that can aid in gameplay. Players can purchase various gear, powers, and consumables from shops. Base camps allow cooking food, repairing armor, and teleporting back to base. Activating a campfire enables return-to-base teleportation from anywhere, and revive beacons scattered across the map allow for the resurrection of fallen teammates, which can turn the tide of a match late in the game.
 |
The controls are intuitive, borrowing from traditional point capture and shooter games. Movement is handled with WASD keys, jumping with Space, interacting with objects with the E key, item usage is mapped to number keys, and the mouse controls aiming, attacking, and skill usage.
 |
Skills are not unlocked from the start, with only basic attacks available initially. As you play and level up, you can unlock skills or upgrade your level. Defeating mobs and collecting loot from the map increases your team’s level, and equipment and items found through looting can be equipped or swapped out to enhance your character.
 |
As the game progresses, a storm gradually reduces the playable area, forcing teams into inevitable encounters. Combat is essential for survival, and character synergy and level progression are crucial to success. Continuous growth is key to staying competitive.
 |
 |
SUPERVIVE combines elements of character growth and item acquisition with a focus on being the last team standing. The gameplay evokes a blend of titles like League of Legends, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, and Apex Legends, making it feel like a battle royale MOBA hybrid.
By merging the freedom and unpredictability of battle royale games with the strategic depth of MOBA games, SUPERVIVE offers a fresh experience. If you’ve grown weary of traditional genres, SUPERVIVE could be the new thrill you’re looking for.
김태만 기자 ktman21c@gamevu.co.kr
