Delabs has officially opened pre-registration for Ragnarok Libre, its much-awaited idle RPG based on the iconic Ragnarok Online IP. This upcoming title is set to go live later this summer, in tandem with the launch of their native token, $DELABS. Both events signal the next step in the Korean developer's pivot to midcore blockchain games.
The pre-registration campaign for Ragnarok Libre began on July 3 and features stacked community rewards. Milestone-based gifts include in-game items such as Berserk Potions, Magic Hourglasses, and Gold Coin Bags, which are unlocked as user sign-ups reach 25K, 50K, 100K, and beyond. The top 10 referrers will also share 50,000 $DELABS tokens.
Described by the team as a "midcore title," Ragnarok Libre brings back the nostalgic mechanics of classic RPGs, while layering in blockchain-powered systems. The game is designed to be fully accessible via Telegram mini-apps, removing the need for wallets or crypto onboarding. This opens up blockchain gameplay to broader mobile audiences.
Once launched, Ragnarok Libre will operate on a token economy powered by $DELABS. Players will earn, spend, and exchange an in-game currency called $ZENY, which links directly to $DELABS for crafting and trading. All assets can eventually be sold through a cross-game marketplace hosted by Delabs.
In an interview with BlockchainGamer.biz, Delabs CEO Joonmo Kwon explained their approach: "We've flipped that: we're launching $DELABS into a live, working economy. Most projects launch a token first and then scramble to create utility afterward."
This means Delabs is introducing its token only after creating a functional, revenue-backed game ecosystem. Gameplay comes first, and token value is expected to follow naturally from it.
Delabs Games has quickly become one of the most active studios in blockchain gaming. The Seoul-based company, led by former Nexon CEO Joonmo "James" Kwon, was founded in 2023 as a spinoff from 4:33 Creative Labs. From the start, its mission was to rethink how web3 games could attract and keep users.
That mission took shape in early 2025 with the release of Boxing Star X, a 1v1 fighting game built for Telegram and LINE. The game surpassed 500,000 users in its first week. "With a leaner PVP core and a sticky social loop, the game performed well both in terms of user engagement and revenue," said Kwon.
This success led to a new strategy focused on messaging apps. These platforms offer built-in distribution and user familiarity, solving one of web3's biggest problems: onboarding. Delabs sees Ragnarok Libre as the next big test of that playbook, following the positive results from Boxing Star X.
Delabs has been developing its $DELABS token for more than a year. But instead of launching it in isolation, the studio chose to tie it directly to gameplay. The token is set to go live this summer, right alongside the launch of Ragnarok Libre.
"The $DELABS token is launching this summer, and what makes this timing special is that it coincides with the launch of Ragnarok Libre," said Kwon.
"We've focused not just on preparing a token but preparing an ecosystem that the token can actually power," he added.
"Revenue potential should be the foundation, and the token should amplify, not replace that foundation," Kwon emphasized.
By designing the economy around gameplay activity, Delabs aims to avoid speculation-led tokenomics. $DELABS is not just a governance tool; it is meant to be a working asset tied to in-game demand.
When Ragnarok Libre launches, it will combine idle-RPG features like auto battles, item forging, and gear upgrades with a fully onchain marketplace. Players will explore Midgard, collect loot, compete in PVP modes, and engage in social play, all via Telegram.
Assets earned or created in-game will be tradable through Delabs' platform using $ZENY, a currency that players can exchange with $DELABS. This lets players take part in a true player-run economy, where the effort and time spent in-game translates into real value.
In June, Delabs officially unveiled the Ragnarok Libre website, detailing features such as open‑economy trading, PvP, and Guild Wars, all of which are aimed for summer 2025 launch.
"We expect Ragnarok Libre is going to bring a completely new wave of users into our platform," said Kwon.
"This is the kind of game that taps into nostalgia while catering to contemporary gamers' needs and introducing a fresh economic model."
Beyond just one title, Delabs is building what it calls the "Playable Layer", a gaming ecosystem where blockchain tokens and player-owned assets link every game together. That vision is supported by $4.7 million in seed funding from backers like Hashed, Spartan Group, and Polygon Ventures.
After a strategic pivot in 2024, Delabs moved away from Polygon and toward TON and LINE-based ecosystems. This shift let them tap into high-traffic platforms with native wallet tools and proven network effects.
With pre-registration for Ragnarok Libre now live and $DELABS approaching launch, the team believes it is reaching a key inflection point.
Looking further ahead, Kwon sees AI as a major pillar of gaming's future. "We're in deep discussions with AI game engine partners, and we believe AI will change not just how games are developed, but how they're experienced," he said.
He also sees Korea's evolving crypto policies as an edge: "Korea is poised to become the crypto capital of Asia. As a Korean-founded company, we see this as a generational opportunity to help define the next era of interactive entertainment."
With Ragnarok Libre preparing for launch and $DELABS nearly ready, Delabs is setting the pace for what comes next in web3 gaming.
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