Buzz
Reflecting back, the Vietnamese gaming market has flourished over almost 20 years, adorned with numerous memories and reminiscences of the 80s and 90s generations.
The 80s and 90s gamers are a unique breed. They are unique because this generation has witnessed nearly every change, metamorphosis, and advancement of the global gaming industry, both globally and in Vietnam. One of the most significant imprints arguably lies in the time when the first online games were released in Vietnam, profoundly altering the trajectory of the Vietnamese gaming market.
Alongside the legendary offline games on vintage Console systems, online games serve as the repository for the memories and youthful aspirations of this gamer generation. They experienced a youth ablaze with dreams and indelible imprints.
From MU Online to Gunbound
These are hailed as the pioneering online games to grace Vietnamese gamers. While MU Online preceded with its 'private servers,' Gunbound emerged as the first licensed game to debut in the Vietnamese market in 2004. In those days, reminiscences such as MU Online's mouse-clicking or Gunbound's wind and power gauges ascended to legendary status. It's only regrettable that Gunbound shuttered prematurely, burying countless memories of the 80s and 90s gamers.
Embracing the martial arts monument Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ - Kiếm Thế
Though not the first online game to be released in the Vietnamese market, Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ stands out as the pioneering martial arts game to reach Vietnamese gamers. In those days, the 80s and 90s generations were still enthralled by Kim Dung's novels and captivated by TVB martial arts dramas, hence it's understandable why they cherished Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ so deeply. Because Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ serves as a bridge that transforms their dreams of becoming martial arts heroes from mere screen fantasies into tangible experiences.
This very essence has elevated Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ from a mere martial arts role-playing game to a monument of the Vietnamese online gaming market. Subsequently, with the advent of Kiếm Thế, it continued to script the 'martial arts' saga in the Vietnamese gaming market.
Even now, the two words 'Võ Lâm' still resonate deeply within the subconscious of the 80s and 90s gamers. Even if it's not Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ but just a game with a martial arts flavor like Võ Lâm Nhàn Hiệp released recently, it's enough to stir players' emotions.
Although not a role-playing game project, Võ Lâm Nhàn Hiệp still encapsulates the essence of martial arts with features like the sect system, the renowned Võ Lâm brand, and especially being developed by the creator of Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ - Kingsoft. Thus, Võ Lâm Nhàn Hiệp has injected a breath of fresh air into the development of the Võ Lâm brand in Vietnam, while still preserving the familiarity of the old martial arts games.
Then, when VNG decided to resurrect Kiếm Thế 2009 with the Kiếm Thế Origin version, it further stirred the emotions and anticipation of the 80s and 90s players. From then on, they were eagerly anticipating and thrilled as the nostalgic memories suddenly came back to life with vividness and depth.
In the scenario where MU Online and Gunbound cease to exist, Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ - Kiếm Thế or the Võ Lâm franchise – Kiếm Hiệp Tình Duyên will continue to endure, evolve, and nurture the memories of the 8x and 9x generations. It's the continuation of a renowned gaming lineage, where titles like Võ Lâm Truyền Kỳ 1 Mobile, Võ Lâm Nhàn Hiệp, or the upcoming Kiếm Thế Origin continue their mission with the Vietnamese gaming market, Vietnamese gamers, and the generation who once immersed themselves in these games.
