Exploring The First Berserker Khazan and AI's Role in Gaming

The First Berserker: Khazan, a new entry in the Dungeon & Fighter series, offers a fresh take on the Souls-like genre. Insights from Neople's CEO and voice actor Ben Starr reveal the game's development journey, its narrative depth, and AI's role in gaming. Discover how this game balances tradition with innovation, ensuring accessibility and engaging storytelling.

The First Berserker: Khazan, a Souls-like dark fantasy action game, has captivated fans since its release on March 27. During the Game Developers Conference, insights from Myeongjin Yun, CEO of Neople, and Ben Starr, the voice of Khazan, shed light on the game's development and its place within the Dungeon & Fighter universe. Dungeon & Fighter, a long-standing action RPG, celebrates its 20th anniversary in Korea. The First Berserker: Khazan delves deeper into the lore, focusing on the iconic Demon Slayer class and its cursed red arm, with Khazan playing a pivotal role in this narrative. This new entry expands the universe, offering a fresh perspective on Khazan's journey and the broader storyline. Ben Starr, drawn to the project by its compelling narrative and art style, highlights the unique dynamic between Khazan and Blade Phantom, voiced by Anthony Howell. The game's design caters to both newcomers and long-time fans, ensuring accessibility while offering Easter eggs for those familiar with the original series. Transitioning from the traditional beat 'em up style to a Souls-like action game, Neople sought to immerse players in the Dungeon & Fighter experience. By incorporating elements from popular titles like Dark Souls and Sekiro, they aimed to stay true to the hardcore action RPG roots while embracing modern gaming trends. The inclusion of an easy mode and the lacrima system reflects a commitment to accessibility, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game. The development team actively engaged with the gaming community, adapting the game based on player feedback to ensure a balanced experience. The conversation also touched on AI's growing influence in the gaming industry. Myeongjin Yun emphasized AI's potential to enhance accessibility and empower smaller teams, while acknowledging ethical concerns and the need for regulation. Ben Starr echoed these sentiments, highlighting AI's dual nature as a tool for innovation and a subject of ethical debate. Both agreed on the importance of establishing guidelines to harness AI's benefits responsibly. As gaming technology evolves, the role of AI in development and voice acting continues to be a hot topic, with industry leaders advocating for thoughtful integration and regulation. The First Berserker: Khazan exemplifies how traditional gaming franchises can adapt and innovate, offering players a rich, immersive experience while navigating the complexities of modern technology.