Neople announces new difficulty modes for The First Berserker: Khazan

A new update on The First Berserker: Khazan offers insights into player preferences regarding game difficulty.

Players prefer to quit than lower game difficulty, says The First Berserker: Khazan developers

Neople, the developer of The First Berserker: Khazan, analyzed player behavior upon its March 2025 release and found many gamers would rather stop playing than decrease the difficulty level. In a recent Steam update, creative director Junho Lee shared that players often quit when faced with challenges rather than opting for an easier setting. The team's data indicated a significant number left without switching to the 'Easy' mode, prompting the introduction of a new 'Beginner' mode aimed at making the game more accessible. The change reflects a deeper discussion about player pride and perceptions of gaming difficulty.

The findings from Neople reveal a critical aspect of gaming culture: the personal pride tied to overcoming difficult challenges. As players, many are drawn to the narrative of triumph over tough gameplay. The addition of varied difficulty modes is not merely a response to complaints; it showcases a significant shift in understanding player psychology. The mixed reception of difficulty in other games emphasizes the challenge developers face in balancing their designs. With Neople acknowledging players' emotional connections to game difficulty, they are strategically positioning The First Berserker: Khazan to retain users and expand its audience.

Highlights

As the gaming community evolves, balancing challenge and accessibility remains a vital task.