Cinder City Adopt Buy-to-Play Model With Live-Service Post-Launch Plans

Developer BigFire Games and publisher NC America have shared new details regarding the upcoming MMO tactical shooter Cinder City. In a recent interview, NC America director of operations Daniel Lafuente confirmed that the title will not follow a free-to-play release model. Instead, Cinder City will launch as a buy-to-play game, with future revenue supplemented by an in-game store offering cosmetic items and battle passes.

Addressing the game's post-launch structure, Lafuente explained that the studio is aiming for a live-service approach to deliver ongoing content updates over time. While the team has not yet discussed traditional paid expansions while focusing entirely on the upcoming launch, players can expect new narratives, associated missions, and co-op dungeons. The multiplayer shooter takes place in a dystopian version of Seoul, Korea, featuring real-world inspired locations such as Noyeong-dong and Samseong-dong, and is being built using Unreal Engine 5.

Regarding platform availability, Lafuente stated that Cinder City will launch exclusively on PC first, with a console release planned for a later date. Because of this staggered rollout, cross-platform multiplayer between PC and consoles remains undecided, with concrete decisions expected as development progresses deeper into the release window. Originally developed under the working title Project LLL and officially unveiled in August 2025, the game draws major thematic influences from classic science fiction and cyberpunk works.

Following a pre-alpha playtest held last month that drew positive feedback, BigFire Games plans to conduct additional playtests across the European Union, Latin America, and Asia. Further details about the MMO shooter are anticipated ahead of the next major alpha test scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. The title is currently slated for release in the second half of 2026, though an exact release date has not yet been finalized by the company.