Prius Online

Prius Online
Developer(s)CJI
Publisher(s)Wasabii
Netmarble
Platform(s)Windows PC
Release
  • ROK: 2008
  • PRC: 2009
  • ROC: January 14, 2010
  • USA: January 14, 2013
Genre(s)Free-to-play 3D computer graphics, cinematic, fantasy, MMORPG
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Prius Online, also known by its retitled name Arcane Saga,[1] is a free-to-play 3D fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) which revolves around a three character (3C) playing system. The 3C system consists of main character, the Anima, and the Gigas. The Anima is player's character's companion, and the relationship the players develop with her, as they try to unravel the mysteries of her forgotten past, determine her personality and strengthen the bonds that players make. The Gigas, summoned by the Anima in times of battle, are strategic and dynamic mercenaries that fight by player's side. Through this system the game aims to create rich and immersive emotional experiences for the character and the Anima.

Prius Online was originally launched only for Korea in 2008. Launched internationally by gPotato in 2011, the service by gPotato was discontinued in March 2012.[2] The game was discontinued in December 2013 in South Korea.[3]

History

Prius Online was first launched in 2008, but was only available in Korean.[4]

In the summer of 2011, the game was localized to English and launched internationally, with no regional restrictions.

In September 2013, a Prius private server called Anima was opened.[5]

Death of Kim Sa-rang

On September 24, 2009, Kim Sa-rang, a 3-month-old Korean child, died from malnutrition after both her parents spent hours each day in an internet cafe playing Prius Online in order to farm gold to sell for real money.[6] The incident was featured in the 2014 Sundance Film Festival-debuted documentary Love Child.[7][8]

References

  1. ^ "Previously known as Prius Online, Netmarble brings back this MMORPG under a new name and with fresh content". GamersHell. 28 February 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  2. ^ Skelton, Jaime (28 March 2012). "Prius Online and Luna Online have shut down". MMOhuts. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  3. ^ "Prius Online Shuts Down on December 17th". Archived from the original on 4 December 2013.
  4. ^ Jef Reahard (4 March 2011), GDC 2011: Prius Online and the evolution of MMORPG pets, Joystiq, archived from the original on 8 August 2012, retrieved 6 August 2012
  5. ^ Prius Anima Online, archived from the original on 4 October 2017, retrieved 25 October 2013
  6. ^ Couple Let Baby Starve to Death While Raising Virtual Baby Online
  7. ^ Maiberg, Emanuel (18 January 2014). "Documentary about game addiction premiers at Sundance Film Festival". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  8. ^ Love Child review: The human cost of Internet addiction in Korea Ars Technica