Hey, #ARMY, you can soon manage BTS through an exclusive mobile game

Great news for #ARMY: your favourite band is getting a mobile game, and you can get your hands on it in just a couple of weeks.

Come June 26, Korean gaming company Netmarble will release BTS World to everyone in the world except China (sorry, fam). It’ll be available on both iOS and Android.

BTS World tracks the rise of BTS as a fledgling K-pop band in 2012 — players take on the daunting task of managing the brand-new group before their big debut. It starts with the player realising that their current reality is being altered. Before they know it, they’ve been transported back to 2012, where they meet Namjun (still performing as Rap Monster), who recognises the player as a BigHit representative. Surprise! You’re now managing BTS.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Yp9as7DJw[/embed]

As far as mechanics go, BTS World is a pretty straightforward card-collecting simulator — complete missions, collect “Member Cards”, and unlock new content, which includes real video clip “calls” and texts with the boys themselves. Naturally, the game will also feature new music from the band; the first song will be unveiled tomorrow, June 7, at 5pm (Singapore time).

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiypTdn_jT8[/embed]

If you need a taste of the game right now, the BTS World website has an in-browser teaser where players must find a suitable dorm to cater to each band member’s needs (Jeongguk is easy — he just wants to sleep). You can also pre-register via a matching quiz that figures out which band member you’re best suited to work with.

Given the popularity of management simulation games (hey, Football Manager fans) and BTS’ overwhelming global popularity, this is sure to be a hit for Netmarble.

alexisong@asiaone.com