"AION2" is an MMORPG known for its stunning visuals and aerial combat.
To celebrate the game’s massive success, the Japanese operations producer has decided to take on the challenge of a bungee jump!
He treated us to a free-flight (freefall) sequence straight out of the game.
"AION2" is the latest installment in the popular "Tower of Aion" series of MMORPGs developed by South Korea’s NC. Centered on the conflict between the Celestials and the Demons, players can freely explore a vast world and enjoy series-exclusive features such as "flight."It’s a classic fantasy MMORPG featuring stunning graphics and large-scale PvE and PvP content.
Now, the producer is set to take a leap at “Gifu Bungee” in Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture.
Renowned as Japan’s tallest bridge bungee, it spans an incredible 215 meters!
After a 30-minute taxi ride up the mountain from Mino-Ota Station, we finally arrived.
Looking down from the top of Tabisoko Bridge, where the bungee platform is located, reveals a breathtaking view that makes your head spin! If you fell from here, you’d be more than just shattered…
That’s when Hong Jeong-jin, the Japanese operations producer, appeared wearing a wingsuit.
He showed us a custom wingsuit featuring the “AION2” logo.
With all preparations complete, we’re on our way to the bungee platform.
“This isn’t a dream, is it?” Mr. Hong asked the ‘AION2’ staff, his anxiety gradually setting in.
Once we reached the platform, we interviewed him right before he jumped.
—How are you feeling right now?
Mr. Hong: “I feel like I’ve been betrayed by Mr. Kasamatsu (the operations director, who was originally supposed to jump) (laughs).
This is my first time bungee jumping, and I never thought I’d do something like this in my life, but I think it’ll be a good experience.
I’m glad I came to Japan—(flat tone).
――That sounded a little flat, though (laughs). Are you afraid of heights?
Mr. Hong: I’m not good with heights. I’m not good at sports in general. I had to throw grenades in the military, but this feels scarier than that.
――You’re jumping to pray for a hit—is this your first time doing something like this?
Mr. Hong: This is my eighth time working on a game launch, but it’s the first time I’ve gone this far…
But since we promised the users on the live stream that we’d do this for *AION 2*, I’ll definitely keep that promise!
――Finally, please share a parting message.
Mr. Hong: I’ll do anything for the success of *AION2*. Everyone, please support *AION2*.
Mr. Hong has finally stepped out onto the bridge. With the Gifu Bungee staff helping him into his harness, he slowly makes his way toward the launch platform.
Watching Mr. Hong look around while letting out a scream about two octaves higher than usual, even I suddenly started to feel nervous. Just being near him made my legs go weak.
He didn’t jump at the first count, but on the next—“5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Bungee!”—he leaped out as if his feet had simply slipped out from under him!
With a shout of “AION2~!!!,” he vanished from our sight in an instant.
We did it! He jumped…!
A short while later, he was winched back up and returned.
Here’s a photo taken right after that. His hands were still shaking, which really conveys just how intense the experience was. However, his face also seemed to radiate the sense of accomplishment of a man who had given it his all.
We spoke with him right after the jump.
—So, how was it flying?
Mr. Hon: I thought it would be easy, but when I actually jumped, it was on a whole different level.
My hands are still shaking. It’s cool out, but I can’t stop sweating. There really aren’t words to describe it…
Still, I’m glad I was able to keep my promise to the users.
――Would you like to do it again?
Ms. Hong: (Shaking her head) Today was the last bungee jump of my life.
――Which was scarier: the moment you jumped, or while you were falling?
Ms. Hong: It was really scary while I was falling—I was swaying back and forth.
――Did you feel any sense of accomplishment from the “hit” prayer?
Seiichi Kasamatsu (Director of Japanese Operations for “AION2”): I couldn’t jump because I was over the weight limit, but thanks to Ms. Hon jumping, I felt 250% more confident.
――Please tell us about the free flight feature in “AION2.”
Mr. Kasamatsu: There are countless games where you can fly freely through the sky, but I think it’s rare to find one where you can perform various actions—like combat—even while in flight.
Please experience the joy of flying not just to predetermined locations, but anywhere in the world.
Mr. Hong: In this game, you can even fly above the clouds. You can experience heights even higher than this bungee jump.
With this level of dedication, it’s bound to be a huge hit! This is arguably one of the most intense game promotions in the world. Mr. Hong, thank you so much for your hard work.
"AION2" is scheduled for release on October 5, 2026, for PC (Steam/PURPLE).
