Devsisters Unveils Cookie Run New World as Ambitious 3D Open World Action RPG Set for 2029 Global Release

In a landmark announcement during the DevNow 2026 broadcast on March 20, South Korean game developer Devsisters officially revealed Cookie Run: New World, an ambitious 3D open-world action RPG that represents the most significant evolution of the franchise since its inception. Previously known under the internal working title Project N, the game is being developed as the flagship project to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Cookie Run series. Scheduled for a global launch in 2029, the title aims to transition the beloved intellectual property from its mobile-centric, side-scrolling roots into a high-fidelity, multi-platform experience spanning PC, consoles, and mobile devices.

The reveal was headlined by a cinematic trailer that showcased the scale of the new environment, moving away from the segmented stages of previous titles toward a vast, interconnected continent. Early gameplay snippets provided during the broadcast highlighted the transition to Unreal Engine, which the developers claim will facilitate a level of visual fidelity, dynamic lighting, and environmental physics previously unseen in the franchise. This technical shift marks a strategic pivot for Devsisters as they seek to compete with established global open-world RPGs on high-end hardware.

A Strategic Evolution: From Endless Runners to Open Worlds

The trajectory of the Cookie Run franchise has been one of consistent diversification. Since the debut of OvenBreak in 2009, the series has grown from a simple endless runner into a cultural phenomenon with over 300 million players worldwide. Over the past fifteen years, the IP has generated more than 1.5 trillion won in cumulative revenue, fueled by the success of titles such as Cookie Run: OvenBreak and the 2021 hit Cookie Run: Kingdom.

While Cookie Run: Kingdom introduced city-building and gacha-RPG mechanics, it remained largely tethered to 2.5D perspectives and menu-based navigation. Cookie Run: New World is designed to break these constraints. For the first time, players will have total agency over their movement through a 3D space, allowing for exploration, verticality, and real-time combat mechanics. The developers have emphasized that this is not merely a sequel but a "re-imagining" of the Cookie Run universe that seeks to unify nearly two decades of lore into a singular, cohesive narrative experience.

The core premise of the game follows the Cookies after their legendary escape from the Witch’s Oven. While previous games focused on the act of running or the rebuilding of a kingdom, New World focuses on what lies beyond the horizon. The setting is described as a sprawling continent filled with diverse biomes, ranging from sugary forests to desolate, crumb-strewn wastes. This world is reportedly under threat from a "mysterious darkness," a recurring thematic element in the series that will be explored with greater depth and cinematic storytelling in this entry.

Technical Foundations and Multi-Platform Integration

The decision to utilize Unreal Engine is central to the development of Cookie Run: New World. By moving away from proprietary or mobile-optimized engines used in earlier iterations, Devsisters is signaling a commitment to a "triple-A" production standard. The engine allows for the implementation of advanced features such as real-time weather systems, day-night cycles, and complex character animations that maintain the franchise’s signature "doughy" aesthetic while adding a sense of weight and presence to the world.

Cross-play and cross-progression have been confirmed as core features from day one. Devsisters aims to ensure that the experience remains seamless whether a player is engaging with the game on a high-end PC, a home console, or a mobile device. This approach reflects a broader trend in the South Korean gaming industry, where major studios are increasingly targeting the global console and PC markets to reduce reliance on domestic mobile spending.

During the DevNow broadcast, the development team noted that the transition to 3D movement required a complete overhaul of character abilities. Protagonists like GingerBrave, who has historically been defined by a simple jump-and-slide mechanic, will now possess expanded move sets including parries, dodges, and elemental attacks tailored for an action RPG environment. The game is expected to feature a massive roster of playable Cookies, each with unique traversal skills and combat styles, encouraging players to swap characters to solve environmental puzzles and defeat large-scale bosses.

Chronology of the Cookie Run Franchise and the Road to 2029

The development of Cookie Run: New World is a long-term endeavor that fits into a broader timeline of franchise expansion. To understand the significance of this project, it is necessary to look at the milestones that led to this point:

• 2009: Release of OvenBreak, the initial entry that established the core "escape from the oven" narrative.
• 2013: Launch of Cookie Run for Kakao/LINE, which popularized the franchise across Asia and reached tens of millions of downloads.
• 2016: Cookie Run: OvenBreak introduces a more robust competitive multiplayer framework and a massive expansion of the "Cookie" cast.
• 2021: Cookie Run: Kingdom launches, successfully merging RPG elements with social base-building, leading to a surge in global popularity, particularly in the United States and Japan.
• 2024–2025: Release of spin-offs such as CookieRun: Tower of Adventures and CookieRun: OvenSmash, experimenting with 3D combat and different genres.
• 2026: Official reveal of Cookie Run: New World (Project N).
• 2029: Scheduled global launch coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the IP.

The three-year window between the 2026 reveal and the 2029 launch suggests an intensive development and polishing phase. Industry analysts suggest that this extended timeline is necessary for a studio that has traditionally focused on mobile titles to master the complexities of a large-scale open-world project. Devsisters has indicated that they will conduct several closed beta tests and community feedback sessions starting in late 2027 to ensure the game meets the expectations of its diverse player base.

Market Implications and Financial Outlook

The announcement of Cookie Run: New World has significant implications for Devsisters’ financial strategy. The franchise has been the primary driver of the company’s valuation, with Cookie Run: Kingdom alone contributing to a period of unprecedented growth. However, the mobile gaming market has become increasingly saturated, and the life cycles of live-service mobile games require constant innovation to maintain player retention.

By investing in a 2029 flagship title, Devsisters is positioning itself as a diversified global publisher. Market analysts note that the move toward a premium, multi-platform RPG could open new revenue streams, including potential DLC, expansions, and merchandise tied to the game’s more detailed world-building. Furthermore, the 20th-anniversary branding provides a powerful marketing hook that can re-engage lapsed players who have followed the series since its early days on mobile messaging apps.

Internal reports and statements from the broadcast suggest that Devsisters is also looking to strengthen its narrative department. The "Cookie Run IP Expansion" strategy involves not just games, but potential ventures into animation and literature. Cookie Run: New World is expected to serve as the "lore hub" for these efforts, providing a definitive map and history of the Cookie world that other media can reference.

Anticipated Gameplay Features and Narrative Depth

While the cinematic trailer focused on the visual spectacle, the developers provided specific details regarding the "Action RPG" designation. Unlike the auto-battle systems found in Cookie Run: Kingdom, New World will feature direct, skill-based combat. Players will be able to form parties of Cookies, utilizing synergies between different "flavors" and roles—such as tanks, healers, and damage dealers—to overcome challenges in the open world.

The narrative is set to be the most complex in the series. The "mysterious darkness" mentioned in the announcement is rumored to be linked to the origins of the Cookies themselves and the nature of the "Life Powder" that gives them consciousness. By exploring the world freely, players will encounter ancient ruins, hidden Cookie civilizations, and environmental storytelling that explains the history of the world before the Cookies were baked.

The social aspect of the game is also being reimagined. Rather than isolated kingdoms, players will interact in "shared world" hubs—bustling Cookie cities where they can trade resources, join guilds, and embark on cooperative raids. This social integration is intended to maintain the community-driven spirit that made Cookie Run: Kingdom a success while elevating it to a more immersive scale.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Devsisters

Cookie Run: New World represents more than just a new game; it is a statement of intent from Devsisters. By committing to a 2029 release for their most ambitious project to date, the company is betting on the long-term viability of the Cookie Run IP and its ability to transcend its origins as a mobile runner.

The transition to a 3D open world using Unreal Engine places the franchise in direct competition with the industry’s largest RPGs. While the 2029 release date is still years away, the roadmap laid out during the DevNow 2026 broadcast suggests a meticulously planned expansion. For the 300 million players who have helped the franchise reach its 1.5 trillion won milestone, New World promises to be the definitive way to experience the saga of the Cookies, offering a level of freedom and immersion that was once unimaginable in the confines of a witch’s oven.