Prius Online
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{short description|2010 video game}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2011}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Prius Online
|image = Prius Online Logo.png
|developer = CJI
|publisher = Wasabii
Netmarble
|platforms = Windows PC
|released = {{vgrelease|ROK|2008|PRC|2009|ROC|January 14, 2010|USA|January 14, 2013}}
|genre = Free-to-play 3D computer graphics, cinematic, fantasy, MMORPG
|modes = Multiplayer
}}
Prius Online, also known by its retitled name Arcane Saga,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamershell.com/news_149233.html |title=Previously known as Prius Online, Netmarble brings back this MMORPG under a new name and with fresh content |website=GamersHell |date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081857/http://www.gamershell.com/news_149233.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web |first=Jaime |last=Skelton |url=http://mmohuts.com/news/prius-online-and-luna-online-have-shut-down |title=Prius Online and Luna Online have shut down |date=28 March 2012 |website=MMOhuts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031173940/https://mmohuts.com/news/prius-online-and-luna-online-have-shut-down/ |archive-date=31 October 2023 |access-date=5 December 2013 |url-status=live}} The game was discontinued in December 2013 in South Korea.{{cite web|url=http://news.mmosite.com/content/2013-12-02/prius_online_shuts_down_on_december_17th.shtml |title=Prius Online Shuts Down on December 17th |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204200127/http://news.mmosite.com/content/2013-12-02/prius_online_shuts_down_on_december_17th.shtml |archive-date=4 Dec 2013}}
History
Prius Online was first launched in 2008, but was only available in Korean.{{citation |title= GDC 2011: Prius Online and the evolution of MMORPG pets |author= Jef Reahard |date= March 4, 2011 |publisher= Joystiq |url= http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gdc-2011-prius-online-and-the-evolution-of-mmorpg-pets/ |access-date= August 6, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120808045333/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gdc-2011-prius-online-and-the-evolution-of-mmorpg-pets/ |archive-date= August 8, 2012 |url-status= dead}}
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.{{citation |title=Prius Anima Online |url=http://priusanima.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004230907/https://priusanima.com/ |archive-date=4 October 2017 |access-date=25 October 2013}}
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.[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/05/couple-let-baby-starve-to_n_487287.html Couple Let Baby Starve to Death While Raising Virtual Baby Online] The incident was featured in the 2014 Sundance Film Festival-debuted documentary Love Child.{{cite news | first = Emanuel | last = Maiberg | title = Documentary about game addiction premiers at Sundance Film Festival | date = 2014-01-18 | publisher = CBS Interactive | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/documentary-about-game-addiction-premiers-at-sundance-film-festival/1100-6417214/ | work = GameSpot | accessdate = 2014-01-19}}[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/07/love-child-review-the-human-cost-of-internet-addiction-in-korea/ Love Child review: The human cost of Internet addiction in Korea] Ars Technica
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{webarchive|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130201021420/http://game4.netmarble.net/prius/main.asp |title=Official Korean site}}
- {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004230907/https://priusanima.com/|title=Prius Anima site}}
Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games
Category:Video games developed in South Korea
Category:Fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing games
Category:Products and services discontinued in 2013