AFK Journey, a new fantasy RPG game developed by Lilith Games, has quickly climbed to the top of China’s iOS free game download charts shortly after its release last Thursday. The game allows players to delve into the magical world of Esperia as the legendary Merlin, engaging in strategic battles and uncovering hidden mysteries alongside various creatures in the realm.
What sets AFK Journey apart is its unique blend of real-time combat and diverse gameplay, all presented in a painting-like design with a fairytale style that offers players an immersive adventure. The game has not only gained popularity in China but has also made waves in overseas markets, topping the mobile game sales charts in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau, and ranking among the top 15 mobile game bestsellers in Japan.
Lilith Games, the renowned Chinese game developer behind hits such as AFK Arena and Rise of Kingdoms, has once again showcased its prowess in the gaming industry with the success of AFK Journey. Despite facing challenges as a strategy card game in comparison to the more monetizable SLG genre, the game has managed to attract a wide audience due to its engaging gameplay and captivating design.
One of the key features of AFK Journey is the accessibility it offers to players. Unlike other games where collecting cards and developing characters can be a burden, AFK Journey provides all heroes for free after the launch. Players can access all heroes in the game without any additional expenditure by simply logging in daily, completing main-story quests, and participating in various in-game activities.
In addition to the innovative gameplay mechanics, AFK Journey also introduces a vertical screen design, allowing players to operate the game with one hand. This feature makes it convenient for players to enjoy the game during commutes, lunch breaks, or idle moments, without drawing too much attention in public settings.
Building on the success of its predecessor, AFK Arena, Lilith Games has strategically marketed AFK Journey through various platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This marketing push has helped the game surpass Rise of Kingdoms to become Lilith Games’ highest-grossing title, with estimates suggesting that AFK Journey generated around RMB 300 million ($42 million) in overseas revenue in its first month alone.
As AFK Journey continues to gain traction both in China and overseas, it highlights Lilith Games’ position as a prominent player in the mobile gaming industry. With its engaging gameplay, unique design, and strategic marketing efforts, AFK Journey is poised to become another successful title for the game developer, captivating players around the world with its magical world of Esperia.