– Hwang Junha, Dungeon Lead, ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’

In the world of game production, transforming a popular story into an immersive, interactive experience is both a challenge and an art. Solo Leveling: ARISE,[1] the first game adaptation of the Solo Leveling franchise—which has captivated millions with over 14.3 billion views globally—is a prime example of this transformation. As the gaming industry pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling, the technology behind the screen plays a crucial role in bringing these dynamic universes to life.

To explore this fusion of creativity and technology, Samsung Newsroom spoke with the developers behind Solo Leveling: ARISE. They shared insights into how they captured the webtoon’s intense action and stylish visuals in the game, and how the Odyssey OLED G8 has been instrumental in this process.

Founded in 2000, Netmarble has become a leader in Korea’s gaming industry, fueled by innovative strategies and strong partnerships with third-party studios. Since 2012, the company has made its mark in mobile gaming with popular titles like Modoo Marble, Seven Knights, and Solo Leveling:ARISE. Building on its success at home, Netmarble is now expanding its global reach, delivering engaging gaming experiences to players around the world.

“[With the Odyssey OLED G8,] I could see attack animations more clearly, which helped me dodge more precisely. I also noticed effects and background details that I’d missed before.”

Kim JaeSeong, Combat Balance Part, Solo Leveling:ARISE’

▲ (From left) Hwang Junha, Dungeon Lead, and Kim JaeSeong, Combat Balance Part at Netmarble Neo, a developer of Netmarble ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’

Q. What are your roles in developing Solo Leveling:ARISE?

Junha: I’m responsible for creating the dungeons and monsters in Solo Leveling:ARISE. This includes designing the environments where battles take place and developing the monsters-players encounter. Essentially, I establish the game’s META to ensure players have a rewarding and engaging combat experience.

*META: An acronym for “Most Effective Tactics Available,” representing the optimal strategies or approaches used by players in a game.

JaeSeong: I’m in charge of combat balance. My role is to allow players to craft their own combat styles by combining various elements like weapons, skills, hunters, and shadows. Players will enjoy the combination-dependent controls and actions, as well as the variety of buffs and debuffs that are granted to characters and enemies, which further enhance their attacks to clear dungeons and tricky bosses.

▲ With the Odyssey OLED G8, JaeSeong reviews the dynamic environments and monster designs, ensuring that each battle scene delivers a visually stunning and immersive experience

Q. Can you give us an overview of Solo Leveling:ARISE? What was your main focus in developing the game?

Junha: Solo Leveling:ARISE is an action RPG based on Solo Leveling, the popular webtoon. We strived to stay true to the original work while at the same time leveraging our expertise to enhance the experience with high-quality action scenes and cinematic cut scenes, immersing players in a way that only a game can.

JaeSeong: Given the popularity of the original work, our goal was to faithfully capture each character’s unique combat style as depicted in the webtoon. In the game, we allow players to experiment with different skills and weapons. Additionally, we wanted to offer something special, so we included new, original content and behind-the-scenes stories that weren’t in the webtoon. This adds a fresh dimension to the game, enhancing the overall experience.

▲(From left to right) Shadow Igris, hunters Cha Hae-In, Sung Jinwoo, Choi Jong-In and shadow Tusk in ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’ (Provided by Netmarble)

Junha: For Solo Leveling:ARISE, we wanted fast-paced combat and the freedom to pursue a variety of fighting styles. The goal was to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and enable players to adapt their strategies based on the boss or challenge they’re facing.

JaeSeong: Our focus was on balancing the different characters, monsters, and dungeons to offer diverse combat experiences. For each character, we added specific skills and combos in addition to their unique abilities from the original series. The challenge was to maintain balance by tweaking attack ranges, damage rates, and speed to make combat more engaging, especially when playing as a team.

Q. As a game developer, what do you think are the most important elements of the gaming environment for players? Did the Odyssey OLED G8 sufficiently deliver during development and playtesting?

JaeSeong: In the RPG action game Solo Leveling:ARISE, players rely heavily on visual information like character movements and the detailed environments during combat. Therefore, having a display that can clearly present this information is crucial. A wide monitor, in particular, enhances the visibility of character motions and provides a broader field of view, helping you catch every detail during intense battles.

The Odyssey OLED G8’s wide screen and high resolution made it easy to catch even the smallest details in the game. This helps gamers play better, too. For instance, I could see attack animations more clearly, which helped me dodge more precisely. I also noticed effects and background details that I’d missed before.

▲ The monitor’s 4K OLED screen provides clear, vibrant visuals, allowing developers and the art team to fine-tune colours and expressions for smoother gameplay.

Junha: An outstanding monitor like the Odyssey OLED G8 that has great contrast and vibrant colours can really bring out the game’s unique art style, whether you’re exploring gates or summoning shadows. The Odyssey OLED G8 proved its value in the game development process. The 4K OLED’s clear images and wide colour gamut were incredibly helpful for discussions with the art team on character effects, allowing us to discuss colours and expressions in greater detail.

Q. What other aspects are important for action-based RPGs?

JaeSeong: A high refresh rate is key for smooth gameplay. It ensures that the screen transitions are seamless, without tearing or stuttering, which reduces eye strain and makes for a more fluid and enjoyable gaming experience.

▲ JaeSeong uses Odyssey OLED G8 to monitor gameplay performance and fine-tunes combat mechanics, ensuring smooth and immersive action sequence.

Junha: To fully experience the intense combat and character animations in Solo Leveling:ARISE, you need a monitor with fast response time and high resolution. The high refresh rate of the Odyssey OLED G8 made combat in <Solo Leveling:ARISE> feel seamless and smooth.

Q. What features of the Odyssey OLED G8 would you recommend to Solo Leveling:ARISE players?

Junha: The Odyssey OLED G8 has a lot going for it, but what really stood out to me was the OLED Glare-free feature. Other monitors that use anti-reflection films usually end up dulling colours. This monitor, on the other hand, reduces glare while keeping the image vibrant and clear.

▲ Junha gives an overview of how the game allows players to choose their own playstyle, enabling them to adapt strategies to different bosses and challenges. The OLED Glare-free feature reduces glare while maintaining vibrant and clear colours, ensuring an optimal experience without compromising image quality.

Also, the Dynamic Black Equaliser feature really helps in dark dungeons, making hidden details easier to spot and enhancing the overall gaming experience. I highly recommend players take advantage of this feature to elevate their gaming experience and enjoy every detail.

*OLED Glare-free: A UL-verified technology that reduces glare from external light sources. Provides a screen that is 54% less glossy than conventional Anti-Reflection film.

* Dynamic Black Equaliser: A feature that analyses the brightness of game scenes and adjusts sharpness, saturation, and black details automatically, while improving visibility in dark areas, allowing for more detailed black levels.[3]

▲ The Dynamic Black Equaliser enhances visibility in dark areas by automatically adjusting sharpness, saturation, and black details for a more immersive gaming experience.

JaeSeong: One feature I think players will find super useful is the Game Bar. By selecting the genre you’re playing, the Game Bar automatically optimises picture quality and sound for that specific genre. According to the selected genre, the display’s brightness is adjusted for better visibility and it delivers richer sound, which really pulls you deeper into the game.

▲ The Game Bar optimises picture quality and sound based on the selected genre, adjusting brightness and enhancing sound to create a more immersive gaming experience.

Q. Any final thoughts for players enjoying Solo Leveling:ARISE?

Junha: I hope you get to fully immerse yourself in the amazing art and combat of Solo Leveling:ARISE with a gaming monitor that supports a high refresh rate and resolution. The Odyssey OLED G8, with its 4K 240Hz display and fast response time, is an excellent choice for this game.[4]

JaeSeong: The Odyssey OLED G8’s gaming features make it a great pick for smooth, immersive gameplay. My advice is to experiment with different strategies and combat styles in Solo Leveling:ARISE, to find your own playstyle and really get the most out of the experience.

[1] ⓒ DUBU (REDICE STUDIO), Chugong, h-goon 2018 / D&C MEDIA ⓒ Netmarble Corp. & Netmarble Neo Inc. All Rights Reserved.

[2] Based on internal test results.

[3] To use the Dynamic Black Equaliser, Game Mode must be activated in settings.

[4] Refresh rate and response time may vary based on the performance of the input source.

Samsung Electronics showcased its 2021 lineup of MICRO LED, Samsung Neo QLED, lifestyle TVs, monitors, and soundbars at its virtual Unbox & Discover event. As people spend more time at home, Samsung’s latest innovations let consumers get the most from their screens—allowing them to work efficiently, communicate effectively, and explore their personal passions.

“At Samsung, we are proud to constantly innovate to improve consumers’ everyday lives. Over the past year, technologies that were once ‘nice to have’ became a need, as our homes became offices, schools, gyms, and more,” said James Fishler, Senior Vice President, Home Entertainment Division, Samsung Electronics America. “The role of the TV in our lives has grown—and in 2021, Samsung continues to redefine the role of TV around the needs and passions of consumers.”

For decades, TVs were seen simply as a way to watch movies and shows; now, TVs are serving as conference rooms and fitness hubs. By taking advantage of many features for the first time this past year, people are re-examining the role that their TV plays in their lives.

Beyond Samsung’s innovative approach to new features, our leadership in picture performance has made Samsung the number one global TV manufacturer for 15 consecutive years. In 2021, Samsung continues to break new ground to offer consumers extraordinary viewing experiences.

MICRO LED Comes Home

With superb brightness, deep blacks, and breathtaking image quality, MICRO LED technology offers a groundbreaking viewing experience that lasts. Its inorganic LEDs help prevent burn-in and ensure the screen stays vibrant over its lifetime.

In 2018, Samsung introduced MICRO LED in the form of “The Wall”—a configurable system of modules that can reach an astounding 292 inches for an experience like no other. With its inherent flexibility, “The Wall” requires professional installation in the home or office.

In 2021, Samsung brings all the power of MICRO LED technology in the form factor of a traditional TV experience. Now, consumers can take home the cinematic experience in a beautiful edge-to-edge screen design, with no need for professional assembly and installation. MICRO LED is available in 110’’ and 99’’ sizes globally beginning at the end of March; an 88’’ size is launching this fall; and a 76’’ is on the future roadmap.

MICRO LED can become 4 screens in one. With 4Vue (Quad View), consumers can watch up to four sources of content simultaneously. Keep up with multiple sports at once, or stream a walkthrough while playing a video game. MICRO LED brings true-to-life picture quality at an enormous scale—out of the box.

Samsung Neo QLED Fits Any Home and Every Passion

As people turn to TVs as an outlet for their passions, Samsung developed Samsung Neo QLED to enhance the viewing experience, no matter what you are watching. The Samsung Neo QLED viewing experience is defined by our Neo Quantum Processor, and new Quantum Mini LEDs. At just 1/40^th the size of conventional LEDs, Quantum Mini LEDs allow for ultra-fine light control. With deep blacks, bright lights, and upscaling technology smarter than any Samsung TV has ever offered, Samsung Neo QLED delivers an ultra-realistic picture—whether you are watching a football game, or playing one on your gaming console.

Samsung Neo QLED also offers features that level up gaming. Samsung is proud to be the Official TV Partner of Xbox Series X in the United States and Canada. With Xbox and Samsung renewing their multi-year agreement this year, the two companies will continue working together to offer an unbeatable gaming experience. Samsung Neo QLED and QLED offer cutting-edge capabilities that make them a phenomenal companion to next-gen gaming with Xbox Series X. In addition, Samsung Neo QLED and QLED let you see virtually every detail with incredible 4k clarity, a silky-smooth 120 frames per second, and a low 5.8ms response time.

In order to further deliver optimized gaming performance to the 2021 Samsung Neo QLED and QLED line, Samsung has also partnered with AMD to develop the first TV with Freesync Premium Pro support for both PC and console games to deliver a truly exceptional HDR gaming experience. Additionally, Samsung’s new Game Bar helps players quickly monitor critical aspects of play. You can use it to access Samsung’s Super Ultrawide Gameview, which brings ultra-wide aspect ratios—traditionally only available on gaming monitors—to the TV.

For those with a passion for fitness, Samsung Neo QLED brings athletic training and healthy living to the home. Last year, when people weren’t able to go to the gym, many sought ways to stay fit at home. Samsung Health, a comprehensive fitness and mindfulness platform launched in the spring of 2020, met this need. Samsung Health helped us stay fit with partner apps for every style of fitness and health, along with seamless connectivity to mobile devices and wearables.

In 2021, Samsung Health adds the benefit of a Smart Trainer. With an optional camera sold separately, the Smart Trainer utilizes AI to analyze your posture and provide real-time feedback to improve your form as you follow instructional videos.

In 2021, Samsung Neo QLED’s 8K models (QN800A and QN900A) will be available in 65’’, 75’’, and 85’’ sizes, while the 4K models (QN90A and QN85A) will reflect an even wider selection, starting at 50’’.

TV Technology That Reflects Your Style Indoors or Outdoors

Consumers today expect experiences tailored to their needs, personal tastes, and style. The Lifestyle TV category offers screens designed for every consumer and every space—in and outside the home.

The Frame transforms the TV into a work of art that can be personalized to fit your aesthetic and decor. With new partnerships in the Art Store,¹ like NAVA Contemporary and Etsy, The Frame features more original artwork to match individual tastes. It also includes AI-based auto-curation technology that recommends artwork based on your selections. Curate your own personal art collection with a growing library of over 1,400 pieces of art from world-renowned institutions. The Frame also features increased photo storage space from 500 megabytes in 2020 to 6 gigabytes in 2021, so you can store up to 1,200 photos (all) in UHD quality. From beloved classics to stunning photography, the Art Store gives you access to a variety of content to personalize your space.

In 2021, there are new ways to customize the Frame itself—from new mounting options like the Slim Fit Wall Mount to five bezel options and more from third party providers. Additionally, we have made the 2021 Frame slimmer than ever: just 24.9 millimeters thick, about the same depth as an actual picture frame. It’s just as appealing off as when it’s on.

Samsung is also offering a new way to display the 2021 Frame, with My Shelf, a new accessory releasing globally later this year that lets you create a tailored wall with personal touches to complement your screen and décor. My Shelf can be attached to the 55 inch, 65 inch, and 75 inch Frame sizes, and will be available in four different colors: beige, white, brown, and black.

For those who miss the movie theater experience, The Premiere, the industry’s first triple laser projector with 4K resolution, represents the next stage in home cinema—all in a compact package. Traditional beam projectors can be clunky and difficult to set up—and even if they offer a big screen, the resolution is sometimes far below an ordinary TV. The Premiere’s minimalist design, with rounded edges and a fabric finish, fits neatly into any home. To help consumers use the Premiere anywhere in their home, we are going to be offering rollable screens optimized for the Premiere later this year on Samsung.com. Just position the Premiere around 5 inches or further from a monotone wall or ALR screen, and break out the popcorn.

In 2020, Samsung took its industry-leading picture performance from inside the home to the yard—just as consumers were looking to get outdoors. With The Terrace, our first outdoor TV, consumers can enjoy the picture quality, audio performance, and smart features they expect from Samsung outside. And they can do so worry-free; The Terrace is weather-resistant, with an IP55 rating to protect against water and dust. It is also simple to install, and easy to connect to cable service and a Wi-Fi network. The Terrace is available in 55”, 65”, and a new 75” Full Sun model² is coming in time for summer.

Screens Suited for Every Need – From Productivity to Play

In 2020, the relevance of the monitor at home changed dramatically. For many, this meant additional screens for multiple needs. Suddenly, a screen that was used to shop online or surf social media became critical to daily life, as consumers used it to make the most of work, school, and play.

To fulfill this demand, the Smart Monitor is Samsung’s first “do-it-all” monitor—uniting the best of monitor and TV. Smart Monitor is compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wireless DeX, and Apple AirPlay 2, letting consumers work from anywhere without needing to connect to a PC. With AirPlay 2, customers can stream, control, and share their favorite content directly from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac to their monitor. When you need to relax, you can enjoy your favorite shows by turning on the Smart TV platform and accessing your preferred streaming apps. Smart Monitor helps consumers stay productive when they need to be—and entertained when they need a break.

In 2020, the Odyssey G9 gaming monitor generated a lot of buzz—this year, Samsung is leveling up the experience with a Quantum MiniLED display and premium gaming features. The 1000R screen curvature, combined with Quantum MiniLED display technology, gives gamers an experience unlike any other. The new G9 joins Samsung’s full lineup of curved and flat Odyssey gaming monitors.

To enable a new way of learning and working while staying safe, we are introducing the Samsung Interactive Display FLIP 75-inch,a digital whiteboard you can write, draw, and edit on. The Flip offers connective features for hybrid working and learning to help consumers succeed—whether in the classroom, the office, or at home. With optimized 4K picture quality and easy-to-read visuals, a team of up to 20 can work simultaneously to sync personal devices for real-time content sharing. The Flip allows users to see a coworker’s or teacher’s presentation as if they were there in person—offering the ability to work together while staying safe. Designed to foster greater collaboration, increase productivity, and enable a seamless exchange of ideas, the 75-inch display joins the 55-inch, 65-inch, and 85-inch display.

Sound That Matches the Visual

While Samsung TVs offer incredible sound from the tiniest of speakers, nothing rounds out the home theater experience like the addition of a Samsung soundbar. The 2021 Q Series lineup includes exclusive Q-Symphony tech, syncing audio from the Samsung TV to deliver enhanced 3-dimensional sound. The soundbar even measures its environment to project audio precisely where it needs to be.

For a full, deep and rich immersive experience, the Q950A boasts the industry’s first 11.1.4 channel sound bringing you right into the center of the action. Its new Bass Boost feature allows users to add “more boom” with a simple click. For those who play music from their mobile devices, Tap Sound makes it as simple as tapping a device to the soundbar. And the Q950A works with multiple voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Bixby—making it easy to take full control of the listening experience.

Passions, Style, Tastes, and Needs

In 2021, Samsung complements your passions, adjusts to your tastes, and delivers performance that enhances all experiences. From the pinnacle of luxurious performance in MICRO LED, to the aesthetic appeal of The Frame, Samsung redefines the role of the TV in your home—at a time when the TV is more relevant than ever.

For more information on Samsung’s TV products, please visit www.samsung.com.

* Product availability may vary by region.

¹ Art Store subscription required to access full selection. Fees apply to subscription service.

² Panel protected up to 6 hours in sunlight at 700 watts and 104 degrees Fahrenheit; brightness may decrease to protect panel with other high temperature and sunlight conditions.