Bringing back Jian Xia Qing Yuan R – Interview with Developers VNG Games

Jian Xia Qing Yuan R (JX1M) will see its first open beta test on January 5th, 2022, and in preparation for it, we were given the opportunity to conduct an email interview with the developer and publisher of the title, VNG games.

We primarily used the interview as a chance to ask them about why they decided to revive the classic Jian Xia Qing Yuan MMO and what players, both returning players, and newcomers can expect from this new version.

What made VNG Games decide to work with Seasun Entertainment to make a mobile version of JXQY?

Initially, VNG Games proposed to Seasun Games to create a Wuxia-themed mobile game for Vietnamese gamers. But not long after that, we saw that many older gamers across Asian markets still have a passion for Wuxia novels and dramas. So we thought, why don’t we make a mobile game for them to play together.

We believe that the JX series has carved its name into the hearts of many players across the Asia Pacific region. So we hope that Jian Xia Qing Yuan R can bring back their childhood memories in the form of a brand-new mobile MMORPG game, which can be played anywhere and at any time.

Were there any challenges in bringing the JXQY experience back to Singaporean / Malaysian players?

So far, the development challenges have actually been quite fun. The major challenge has been trying to think about the content and ways to recreate the experience and memories that many SG/MY veteran players have of the original so that they will engage with the new game.

Will there be an English or other languages release of the game in SG/MY?

For now, there is only a Simplified Chinese version.

Are there any changes or improvements that have been implemented into the game, to fit the controls and play style of mobile devices?

Sure, Jian Xia Qing Yuan R is not just a remastered version of the original game, but an enhanced one. Seasun Games requested that we reproduce the major features of the JX series (PC version), but also make it more up-to-date, which means more in tune with the newer playing habits of modern gamers.

Meanwhile, we also preserved most of the classic features of the JX series in JX1M such as the Song-Jin Battlefield, free player vs player (PvP), and the most iconic elements: the original Wuxing elements system and free trading.

In other words, we not only changed to improve but also adapt in order to present a more interesting, suitable game and offer a better experience for players.

What is your opinion on the current market for the Wuxia genre and the place of mobile games in it?

We believe that the Wuxia genre is still very popular among our target. The Wuxia genre in the film industry is becoming more popular than ever before. We believe this will also raise the popularity of the genre in the mobile gaming market as well.

Has there been any major difference between how Vietnam players and SG/MY players have reacted to the game?

There are definitely some differences between players around the world. Therefore, we crafted rewards and content based on our different markets. The most important thing is that our players enjoy the game.

What is the plan for the SG/MY version after the launch? Will they be seeing new updates at the same time as the Vietnam version?

In the near future, we will have a small update every month, which aims to fix bugs (if any), optimize the game, and expand with more events or levels. There will also be larger updates to introduce new classes in the future.

Because the Vietnamese version was launched almost a year ago, it will take some time for the newly released SG/MY version to catch up. However, we are also expecting to have more events which will allow players from all countries to play together.

But before that, we want to build a close community where our players can share, discuss and interact with each other in the real world through social events.

Is the SG/MY version going to have exclusive content in-game?

We do not have exclusive content in-game but we do have exclusive rewards for the SG/MY players, please stay tuned to our fan page.

Can we expect an outdoor event to gather all JXQY fans in SG/MY, such as a launch party or competition?

We would like to have a lot of outdoor events for JX1M fans in every country. It has been part of our routine for a long time. However, due to the Covid situation, we need to be careful and be patient before we can meet people face to face.

However, we do have plans for online competitions as well as events inside and outside the game for players to participate in from their homes. So please look forward to them!

You have previously said that the original game was heavily popular among Vietnamese gamers back in the day. Have you found SG/MY gamers to also be nostalgic for it?

As I said earlier, we believe Chinese martial arts novels and dramas are very popular in the Asian regions, and so is the JX series.

While VNGGames is based in Vietnam, our local (SG/MY) staff ensure that everything we do, including the game, is inclusive to local players. For the older generations that grew up with the original, we hope that we can bring back your memories from the 2000s; and to the younger players, we expect to bring a new retro experience for you to try with JX1M.

What were the most important aspects of the game to update and make more accessible for modern gamers?

Many of the content in the game has been optimized according to the feedback we have gotten so far. Based on that, we made the game faster and participating in events more convenient, as well as increased the connectivity among the players.

The time schedule for events has been optimized to better suit a variety of players. Optimizing this “timetable” will make it easier for players to experience more of the events and unique features of JX1M while still having plenty of time to complete other necessities.

Would you or Seasun Entertainment have any plans to bring the game to other consoles or PC?

I would personally prefer to have the game on mobile since it means you can bring it anywhere you go, which also means you can access the game anytime for as long as you want.

Of the ten classes in the game, which do you personally like playing as, and which would you recommend the most for new players?

Which class to choose really depends on players’ personal preferences. All 10 of them have pros and cons. Especially with the Wuxing elements which create a balance among 10 classes, each is stronger or weaker depending on the opponent. You can choose your character either based on your liking or for the challenge of learning how to master each class.

Jian Xia Qing Yuan R Reborn

We thank VNG Games for allowing us to conduct this interview about Jian Xia Qing Yuan R.

Jian Xia Qing Yuan R is a remake of the original PC MMORPG Jian Xia Qing Yuan. It’s a classic MMO inspired by traditional Wuxia films and stories. You play as one of 10 classes and join the battlefield on the side of Song or Jin. You can pick up multiple different weapons and sell them at your own discretion.

The game will be available for mobile devices with an open beta test beginning on the 5th of January. You can pre-register for the game here.