GunZ: The Duel closed beta test set for August 2025

At last, GunZ: The Duel will conduct a closed beta test (CBT) sometime in August 2025 before its release on the Steam platform, Masangsoft announced through the game's Discord channel.

I know that all fans and K-stylers, myself included, are thrilled about the return of the official global server for the classic online third-person shooter game, which first launched on Windows PC in 2003 in South Korea and in 2006 in other regions, including the Philippines. Below, you'll find the vital details, from the beta play to new content, shared by the Project Developer (who goes online by the name PD Maximus/Max) during the community's question-and-answer (Q&A) forum.

Q. When will the game be released? Will there be beta play?

A. I'm going to share more details about the official launch after the beta service. Right now, [the] GunZ team is focused on building out the core combat system, with a goal of launching the beta test sometime in August 2025.

Q. Is there any new content that's different from the original GunZ?

A. GunZ will no longer be P2W [pay-to-win], and existing gear will be shifted toward cosmetic customization. [The] team is also working on improving the in-game experience by adding and enhancing missions and other content that previously felt lacking. Map updates and new maps are in the works as well, and we're exploring the addition of new game modes.

Q. It would be great to have an FOV option!

A. [The] gaming environment has changed a lot since GunZ first launched. Back then, 4:3 monitors were the standard, but today, many players use widescreens like 16:9 and even 21:9. As a result, FOV (Field of View) options have become much more important. A fixed, narrow FOV on an ultrawide display can cause distortion, which negatively affects the gameplay experience. To address this, our team is working toward supporting resolutions up to a 21:9 aspect ratio. We're also reviewing options for FOV adjustment and possibly removing camera angle restrictions. Our goal is to ensure that players can enjoy the game comfortably across a variety of setups.

Q. Have you considered using an ELO system to divide channels instead of basing it on player level?

A. Channels will be unified, and the ELO system will be used for matchmaking. This will help create an environment where players can compete against others with [similar skill levels].

Q. Is an engine upgrade being considered?

A. GunZ has always offered a pretty unique gameplay experience. I'm being careful not to mess with what makes it special, and instead of making big, sudden changes. I'm aiming to improve the game in ways that keep its core fun intact.

Q. Do you have any plans for creator collaborations or esports support?

A. GunZ team is preparing a tournament through our official competition platform and [is] also in the process of recruiting creators to join us. The first group of selected creators has already joined our official Discord. I'll be supporting creators not only with tournament prizes but also by promoting their channels through official website banners and other means.

Q. What will be done to make sure the game stays cheat-free?

A. I'm planning to detect cheaters using a combination of EAC [Easy Anti-Cheat], replay data, and stats-based analysis. That said, players will also be able to deal with suspicious behavior on the spot using the in-game kick feature.

Q. What exactly does "remaster" mean? [Are they] just minor changes to the existing content, or are you actually improving the core systems?

A. While it's difficult to reveal all the details at this stage, as you can see on our Steam page, there are changes coming to the character models. I'm aiming to improve outdated elements of the game while preserving the original feel of the gameplay, incorporating modern game trends and UX within that balance.

Q. Do you have any plans to share the roadmap?

A. My goal is to launch the game [GunZ: The Duel] within [2025], and I'll share a more detailed roadmap when the time is right.

Q. Will there be an option to disable anti-lead in Gladiator rooms, or at least a toggle setting for it?

A. The previous survey was conducted to better understand the need for this feature. My plan is to make it something players can toggle directly when setting up a room. If you prefer, you'll be able to disable or enable it in Gladiator Mode. I'm also planning to offer a wider range of room customization options going forward.

Q. I'd love to see a 1v1 ranked mode in the game.

A. That's a great suggestion. However, I must think of the risk of ranked match abuse as the number of participants gets smaller. For now, [the] GunZ team is exploring a 1v1 tournament format through our official competition platform as a potential solution.

Q. Will there be an in-game reporting system?

A. [The] GunZ team is working on a reporting feature using replays, and we're also considering adding an in-room reporting option for matches.

Q. How will the CBT keys be distributed?

A. I'm considering various ways to distribute beta keys, including through creators and Discord events. Also, subscribing to our newsletter might give you some special benefits!

Q. Do you think following modern UX trends fits well with the spirit of this official relaunch? Would it be better to keep the original style while improving it with sharper and cleaner graphics?

A. I'm putting a lot of thought into a modern UI [user interface] to appeal to new players alongside a classic UI option for existing users. So, I am trying to actively gather feedback from players, and the original in-game UI will be available as an option.

Along with revealing the Q&A answers, PD Max showed a sneak peek at a new map that was in progress.

For the latest GunZ news and updates, visit its official pages:

• Official site: https://gz.masanggames.com
• Discord channel: https://discord.gg/q7ykbaqVa4

We can expect GunZ, the once-famous online PC game, to have a legendary comeback this year, according to the developer, so prepare your sturdy mouse and keyboard and fast fingers for the ever-difficult K-style combos. – PinoyTechSaga