Final Weapon had the opportunity to interview development team members of upcoming monster-taming RPG MONGIL: STAR DIVE, including Netmarble game publishing director Jung-ho Lee Netmarble Monster project director Min-kyun Kim, and Netmarble Monster production director Dong-jo Lee. The interview goes over updates to MONGIL: STAR DIVE since G-STAR 2024, Netmarble’s collaboration with Samsung, and what players can expect after the game launches.
As Netmarble’s game publishing director, Jung-ho Lee spearheaded the launch and live operations of over 50 Netmarble titles, including Seven Knights and Marvel Future Fight. The game publishing director also played a role in Netmarble’s global expansion through collaborations with entertainment and platform companies like HYBE, Tencent, and LINE.
Min-kyun Kim is a project director at Netmarble Monster and MONGIL: STAR DIVE. Kim also served as director of Marvel Future Fight, and he’s now spearheading the development of MONGIL: STAR DIVE. Final Weapon also had the opportunity to interview MONGIL: STAR DIVE project director Min-kyun Kim during last year’s G-STAR event.
Dong-jo Lee led the global rollout of Monster Taming, which is MONGIL: STAR DIVE’s predecessor. Lee also managed projects like Star Wars: Force Arena and Marvel Future Revolution before leading the development of MONGIL: STAR DIVE as production director at Netmarble Monster.
Get the full interview with the MONGIL: STAR DIVE development team below:
It’s been almost a year since MONGIL: STAR DIVE was first exhibited at G-STAR 2024. Can you discuss some of the major developments and updates involving your work on the game since then?
Dong-jo Lee: We actively reflected diverse player feedback. Comedic elements and memes that were poorly received were removed, animations were improved for greater naturalness, and combat readability was refined through changes to camera distance and hit effects.
Have you encountered any challenges while developing MONGIL: STAR DIVE in Unreal Engine 5?
Min-kyun Kim: There have been no particular obstacles beyond the usual discussions and revisions. That said, the industry’s high-quality releases continually challenge and inspire us to refine our work further.
MONGIL: STAR DIVE’s story builds on the setting and characters of Monster Taming, and there will be real-time tag-based combat and a monster-taming system. Can you discuss how in-game progression works in MONGIL: STAR DIVE?
Min-kyun Kim: Progression revolves around nurturing characters and Monsterlings. Endgame content emphasizes both “challenge” and “collection,” with modes like Rift and Monster Races offering goals that leverage the units players have invested in. Collection systems, such as capturing monsters and filling the codex, add long-term engagement.
MONGIL: STAR DIVE will be exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2025 with a playable build for fans to try out. What takeaways would you like fans to receive from playing the build at the event?
Dong-jo Lee: Our aim is for players to experience accessible but rewarding combat, enjoy meeting characters firsthand, and provide us with valuable feedback. These shows are as much about communication with players as they are about presentation.
Will players around the world have an opportunity to play MONGIL: STAR DIVE in an open beta or demo before launch?
Jung-ho Lee: Following TGS, a CBT is planned prior to launch, giving players additional opportunities to try the game and provide feedback. Details around OBT will follow as we progress towards our launch.
Netmarble has collaborated with Samsung to showcase MONGIL: STAR DIVE on supported devices like Odyssey 3D gaming monitors and the new Galaxy Z Fold7. Can you discuss the collaboration with Samsung and the features that players can take advantage of when the game launches?
Jung-ho Lee + Dong-jo Lee: We are working closely with Samsung to optimize the experience on cutting-edge hardware, including their Odyssey 3D monitors and Galaxy devices. Our collaboration ensures that players can experience the game with advanced visual fidelity and smoothness across multiple device types.
MONGIL: STAR DIVE is currently planned to launch by the end of 2025 for PC and mobile platforms. Is Netmarble planning the release of MONGIL: STAR DIVE on additional platforms or consoles for 2026?
Dong-jo Lee: Technical preparations for console are underway. We will be rolling the first demo via PS5 at TGS 2025. Exact timing for console launch is to be determined.
What can players expect at launch and beyond in terms of in-game events and updates?
Min-kyun Kim: We plan to release two new characters with each update, alongside ongoing content expansions. Post-launch events will focus on deepening the sense of challenge and collection while keeping players engaged with fresh story and character content.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Jung-ho Lee: We hope to meet our players as soon as possible. We will continue to listen closely to feedback to make MONGIL: STAR DIVE an even better game. We ask for your interest and anticipation until launch.
Thank you so much for your time!
MONGIL: STAR DIVE is coming soon to Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows and Epic Games Store. The second MONGIL: STAR DIVE closed beta test will be held from September 30 to October 10 on PC via the Netmarble Launcher and Epic Games Store. The MONGIL: STAR DIVE second closed beta test will feature Episode 2 of the main story, new playable character Daisy, the new Monsterling Link Chain system.
Global pre-registration for MONGIL: STAR DIVE is also open with rewards like 4-star character Francis. Additional rewards, including Compass of Promise ×10, will be given to players who pre-register via the App Store or Google Play.
