Smilegate Hope Studio, 'Lost Ark' players volunteer for veterans during Patriots Month

Smilegate Hope Studio held a volunteer event for war veterans in honor of Patriots Month, bringing together players of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Lost Ark.

Smilegate Hope Studio said Monday that about 50 players from Lost Ark communities — including "Roawa," "Ropek" and "Ilroa" — gathered Saturday at the Seoul Nowon Senior Welfare Center to support elderly war veterans. The initiative aims to improve the living conditions and livelihoods of veterans who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Volunteers worked with 75 veterans on activities designed to foster emotional connection and improve their living environments. Participants were paired with veterans to build terrariums together, sharing stories as they planted greenery and completed their creations.

Volunteers then visited veterans' homes to clean hard-to-reach areas such as electric fans and window frames.

Smilegate Hope Studio is also running a donation campaign titled "Improving Residential Environments and Supporting Livelihoods for Elderly War Veterans" on its platform from June 10 through July 12. All funds raised will be delivered in full — with no operating costs deducted — to the Seoul Nowon Senior Welfare Center, where they will be used to provide daily necessities for veterans.

Choi Jin-il, head of the Roawa community, said it was a meaningful occasion to express gratitude to veterans alongside Lost Ark players during Patriots Month. "I am grateful to the Lost Ark players who joined Hope Studio in making a positive impact," he said. "I hope our community can continue to lead this kind of warm, sharing spirit going forward."

Kwon Yeon-ju, a director at Smilegate Hope Studio, called the event a meaningful example of a game company, gaming communities and players coming together to create social value. "We will continue to work with diverse gaming communities and players to bring hope to future generations and serve as a platform that helps gamers participate with joy," she said.