New World: Aeternum

VS

Grand Chase

New World: Aeternum is a rebrand/update of the MMORPG "New World" by Amazon Games, originally launched in September 2021. The game had a massive launch but experienced significant population decline within a year. However, ongoing updates, server merges, and the promise of console support with "Aeternum" have kept a modest but stable audience. As a well-supported MMORPG from a major publisher, it likely retains around 30,000 daily players currently, somewhat revitalized by new expansions and relaunch communications.

Grand Chase is a well-known side-scrolling action MMORPG originally developed by KOG Studios. Although the classic PC version was shut down in most regions years ago, the mobile relaunch (Grand Chase: Dimensional Chaser) and a Steam version have seen some limited success since 2017. Due to its age, niche appeal, and relatively modest marketing outside its core market (primarily Southeast Asia and Latin America), I estimate its daily active player base to be low thousands. The game does have persistent multiplayer elements and instanced co-op/competitive modes, qualifying as an MMO.