Nexon sets final episode of KartRider Rush+ show with K-pop group ALPHA DRIVE ONE
In short
Nexon said the final episode of a three-part variety series pairing its mobile racing game KartRider Rush+ (카트라이더 러쉬플러스) with K-pop group ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) would be released at 9 p.m. on 8 October on the group's official YouTube channel. The episode is a team contest themed as the 'ALPHA DRIVE ONE Racing Cup (ADRC)', in which members race using collaboration items such as the 'Formula Kart'. Nexon is also running in-game events, including Hangul Day rewards from 9 to 11 October and a prize draw until 20 October.
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Nexon said the final episode of a three-part variety series made with K-pop group ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) for its mobile racing game KartRider Rush+ (카트라이더 러쉬플러스) would be released at 9 p.m. on 8 October on the group's official YouTube channel. The episode is built around an 'ALPHA DRIVE ONE Racing Cup (ADRC)' concept and pits the members against each other in teams. They race wearing collaboration items, including the legend speed kart 'Formula Kart', which the outlets said was inspired by the group's song FORMULA. Commentator Kim Dae-gyeom (김대겸) and player Reon Min-gi (런민기), described by Kyunghyang Games as a professional gamer, appear as guests. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The first two episodes showed the members proposing ideas for the design of the collaboration items. Those items were added to the game on 22 September and include the Formula Kart, an 'ALD1 lightstick' flying pet, costumes and skid effects. An 'ALD1 package' with profile images using the members' photos, signature stickers and licence plates is on sale. Inven reported that the package also contains an 'ALD1 wish stone' and batteries, and that profile photos using pictures of real people were a first for KartRider Rush+. [ 1 , 2 ]
According to Kyunghyang Games and Gamemeca, players who buy the packages of all members by 11 November and complete an exchange on the game's official website, on a first-come basis, receive an ALD1 photocard set (office worker version). Until 20 October, each five multiplayer races earn a prize-draw entry, with prizes including signed polaroids from each member, an ALD1 photocard set (Dao version) and AirPods Max 2. Equipping the Formula Kart and the lightstick flying pet gives extra daily entries. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Nexon is also running events for Hangul Day. From 9 to 11 October, players receive K Coin according to cumulative daily playtime, along with 50% extra experience and yield from Rush Farm (러쉬팜) harvests and 50% more restaurant coin income. From 9 October to 1 November, event pieces collected by logging in and playing ranked and multiplayer races unlock rewards in turn, including season coins, stickers, balloons, energy crystals and a permanent profile background, which Inven and Gamemeca named as a 'Galaxy' background. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Inven and Kyunghyang Games also reported a friend-invitation event running until the 28th, under which inviting up to 12 friends earns the event currency 'Obit Code (오빗 코드)'. The currency can be spent until the 29th at the 'Obit Station (오빗 스테이션)' on items including the new legend speed kart 'Obit (오빗)' and its matching skid and licence plate. [ 1 , 2 ]
Why it matters
The series and its events tie a K-pop group's fan base to in-game items and paid packages in KartRider Rush+, as reported by games trade outlets. Coverage came only from tech and games outlets relaying Nexon's announcement, so its wider significance is limited.
Key facts
- The final episode of the three-part KartRider Rush+ and ALPHA DRIVE ONE variety series is released at 9 p.m. on 8 October on ALPHA DRIVE ONE's official YouTube channel. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The final episode is a team contest themed as the 'ALPHA DRIVE ONE Racing Cup (ADRC)'. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Members race with collaboration items including the legend speed kart 'Formula Kart', inspired by the group's song FORMULA. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Commentator Kim Dae-gyeom (김대겸) and player Reon Min-gi (런민기) make special appearances. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Collaboration items, including the Formula Kart and an 'ALD1 lightstick' flying pet, were added to the game on 22 September. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Until 20 October, players receive a prize-draw entry for every five multiplayer races; prizes include signed polaroids, an ALD1 photocard set (Dao version) and AirPods Max 2. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- For Hangul Day, from 9 to 11 October players get K Coin rewards by daily playtime and 50% bonuses on Rush Farm (러쉬팜) harvests and restaurant coin income. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The final episode of the three-part series is released at 9 p.m. on 8 October on ALPHA DRIVE ONE's official YouTube channel. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The final episode is a team contest under the 'ALPHA DRIVE ONE Racing Cup (ADRC)' concept, with Kim Dae-gyeom and Reon Min-gi appearing. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Collaboration items were added to the game on 22 September. [ 1 , 2 ]
- A prize draw for multiplayer races runs until 20 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Hangul Day events run from 9 to 11 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- A photocard set (office worker version) is offered until 11 November to players who buy all members' packages and complete an exchange. [ 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Profile photos using pictures of real people were a first for KartRider Rush+. Reported only by Inven.
- The ALD1 package includes an 'ALD1 wish stone' and batteries. Only Inven lists these items; Kyunghyang Games lists a shorter set of contents.
- How many photocard sets are available in the first-come exchange. The outlets say the exchange is first-come but give no quantity.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Inven publishes the announcement of the final episode and events. [ 1 ]
- Kyunghyang Games reports the final episode and collaboration events. [ 2 ]
- Gamemeca reports the final episode and Hangul Day events. [ 3 ]
- Final episode scheduled for release on ALPHA DRIVE ONE's official YouTube channel. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]