Since the launch of NEXON Games’ RPG Blue Archive, a global community has come together around its unique characters and engaging story. With its recent launch on Steam for players to enjoy the game on PC, the team behind Blue Archive is focused on learning more and expanding the game. In an email Q&A with Anime Trending, Executive Producer Yongha Kim and Studio Producer Gyeong Seop An answered questions about the game’s evolution, the reception from Anime Expo 2025, and what’s next for Blue Archive.
Anime Trending: How did the release of the anime contribute to the game?
Yongha Kim and Gyeong Seop An: We have seen many players first encounter the Blue Archive IP through the animation. Watching these players come into the game afterward has reinforced the positive potential of expanding into different media.
What was the journey of getting Blue Archive to Steam like?
Yongha Kim and Gyeong Seop An: We began planning the PC build release last year. While many players were already enjoying the game on PC through emulators and other workarounds, those methods had clear limitations, so we felt it was necessary to offer an official PC version. Since the game was originally developed on PC, running it wasn’t an issue. Instead, the main challenges were related to platform integration and payment systems, and we focused a lot of effort on resolving those.
The Steam launch brought many new Senseis to the game. Expanding to additional platforms was a strategic choice to reach more players, and thankfully, it has proven successful.
Over the years, what have been the biggest lessons that NEXON has learned from updating and maintaining the game?
Yongha Kim and Gyeong Seop An: Creating an IP that goes beyond a single game has been a truly meaningful experience for us. Being loved as a new IP is a rare opportunity, and it’s not something we take for granted.
This success is not because of us, but because of the incredible support from our players. For that reason, we remain humble and always listen carefully to our community’s voices as we continue developing the game. We believe that truly listening to our players’ stories is what matters most.
What goes into the process of creating new playable characters?
Yongha Kim and Gyeong Seop An: The story always comes first. We begin by deciding what kind of story we want to tell, which student appears in it, and how that student shapes the narrative. Once that’s in place, we move into character design. Throughout this process, the scenario and character teams work closely together, sharing ideas to create students who are both appealing and memorable.
The music in Blue Archive is a standout feature for many players. What role does the soundtrack play in building the game’s atmosphere and emotional impact?
Yongha Kim and Gyeong Seop An: Sound is a crucial element that deeply immerses players in the game. It plays a major role in setting the mood of the story, heightening emotions, and leaving a lasting impression.
Once the direction of the scenario is somewhat established, we collaborate closely with Music Director Mitsukiyo to create the desired musical pieces. Since Director Mitsukiyo has already composed much of Blue Archive’s music, he understands our vision well and produces exactly what we need with little explanation. We are truly grateful for his contributions.
How did you feel about the fan reception during the Dev Talk at Anime Expo, and what was it like meeting fans of Blue Archive in person?
Yongha Kim and Gyeong Seop An: The development team is constantly amazed by the momentum that Blue Archive has created. Every time we see how much love so many players have for the game, it brings us joy.
We believe that Blue Archive has become a cultural moment because the development team constantly considers how to make the students and stories more beloved, and many players actively enjoy and expand on those stories. It’s this combination that has brought us this far, and we plan to continue creating many new things to continue moving forward.
The AX2025 Dev Talk was an incredible experience. Meeting and greeting players directly in North America was truly a joy. The passion of the North American players was remarkable, and we have taken that energy to heart as motivation to pour even more passion into development.
What’s next for the game?
Yongha Kim and Gyeong Seop An: There are still many more students and stories waiting to meet you in Blue Archive. Beyond that, we’re continually working on improvements and updates to ensure that teachers can enjoy the game more comfortably and engagingly.
Blue Archive is also growing beyond just a game. As an IP, we aim to reach you in new and diverse ways, and we hope you’ll continue to follow and look forward to what’s next in the future of Blue Archive.
