Nexon 30th Anniversary... "Growing Brand Ecosystem with IP Franchises"

Media Day 'Next On' Future Strategy Announcement
Building a 'Nexon-Style' Game Ecosystem with Added Social Value
Strengthening IP Power and Franchises

"We will become a game company recognized and loved worldwide, and also a company that exerts a positive influence on society."

On the 30th, Kim Jung-wook, co-CEO of Nexon Korea, made this statement while announcing the company's vision and goals on its 30th anniversary at the media day event 'Next On' held at the Pangyo headquarters in Gyeonggi Province. Together with co-CEO Kang Dae-hyun, he introduced Nexon's corporate management values based on its three core values and presented plans to strengthen the IP (intellectual property) pipeline and global expansion direction.

Co-CEO Kim said, "Nexon, which started in a small officetel in 1994, has now grown into a large corporation on the verge of surpassing 4 trillion KRW in annual sales," adding, "We will continue Nexon's creative challenges and sustainably grow as a company that creates games loved more worldwide." He emphasized, "Based on the three core values of strengthening the company, society, and intellectual property, we will provide new experiences to users and build a game ecosystem that fulfills social responsibility."

Nexon continues various social contribution activities aiming to create social value through game content. Notably, it operates the employment-type internship program 'Nektorial,' contributing to job creation, and hosts the industry's first knowledge-sharing conference 'NDC' to promote the co-growth of the game industry.

Established in 2016, the Nexon Foundation is dedicated to bridging the IT education gap and nurturing future talents through children's medical support projects and coding education programs. Co-CEO Kim stated, "Nexon will continue its creative challenges and exert a positive influence on society through games."

Following this, co-CEO Kang took the stage to explain specific future growth strategies. He said, "Nexon is generating stable revenue in the global market by leveraging core IPs such as 'MapleStory,' 'Dungeon & Fighter,' and 'Mabinogi,'" adding, "Nexon's representative IPs are loved not only domestically but also in various countries, and we plan to expand user experiences by implementing franchise strategies utilizing these IPs."

The IP franchise strategy is a key pillar in realizing Nexon's growth vision. Nexon plans to expand the universes of major IPs and broaden user touchpoints through various genres of games, music, webtoons, merchandise, and more. For example, 'MapleStory' strengthens the 'Maple Life' brand ecosystem by communicating with users through diverse IP expansions such as music, webtoons, and pop-up stores. Co-CEO Kang explained, "An IP like MapleStory is more than just content; it is the sum of experiences built with users, and strengthening this is the way to increase user satisfaction."

The expansion of the 'Dungeon & Fighter' universe is also being accelerated. Through new titles like 'First Berserker: Kazan' and 'Project Overkill,' Nexon plans to broaden the Dungeon & Fighter universe and introduce games in various genres. Nexon Games has confirmed the name of the open-world action RPG developed based on the Dungeon & Fighter IP as 'Dungeon & Fighter: Arad' and plans to further expand this universe.

'Mabinogi' is also preparing to release a mobile version, and the PC version is evolving into a persistent service through the 'Eternity' project, which transitions it to Unreal Engine 5.

The 'Baram-ui Nara' IP, symbolic as Nexon's first developed title, will also pursue a new strategy. Nexon is developing 'Baram-ui Nara 2' as a sequel that inherits the original's authenticity, a 2.5D MMORPG supporting cross-play between PC and mobile. This game will enhance immersion by adding new narratives based on oriental fantasy sensibilities.

Nexon is accelerating its global market entry through a multiplatform strategy and focusing on developing new IPs. 'First Descendant,' which attracted attention at Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show, has established itself as a global steady seller, and new IPs are achieving results in overseas markets. Nexon's subsidiary Embark Studios is developing the post-apocalyptic PvPvE survival shooter 'Ark Raiders' and preparing a new title 'Project RX' that utilizes subculture elements.

Various projects are also being promoted through the 'Big and Little' strategy. In particular, the 'Big' project development showcases 'Project DX,' developed using the 'Wild Lands: Durango' IP. While inheriting the original elements of 'Wild Lands: Durango,' it enhances the appeal of the MMORPG with more advanced graphics and systems. Additionally, 'Paradise: LAST PARADISE' is accelerating development to enhance the fun of survival, exploration, and growth alongside the thrills of a zombie apocalypse.

Mint Rocket, launched as an independent corporation, has established a direction to strengthen innovative 'Little' projects and is also focusing on expanding 'Dave the Diver,' which promises additional enjoyment through story DLC.

On the same day, Nexon unveiled its exhibits and booth layout for G-Star 2024, scheduled to be held in Busan this November. This year, Nexon is participating as the main sponsor of G-Star and will set up an exhibition hall with 300 booths to showcase the latest technologies and vision. The exhibition hall will be designed as a user experience-centered space featuring a large LED screen shaped like a soaring sphere symbolizing 'Nexon's leap.'

Major games exhibited at G-Star include the MOBA battle royale 'SuperVibe,' the 3D action RPG 'Project Overkill,' the hardcore action RPG 'First Berserker: Kazan,' and 'Hwansae Chwihojeon Online.'

Especially on the first day of G-Star, November 16, a special orchestra performance commemorating Nexon's 30th anniversary is scheduled. This concert will reinterpret the background music of Nexon's representative live games such as 'MapleStory,' 'Mabinogi,' and 'TalesWeaver' through orchestral performance, offering the audience a unique emotional experience.

CEO Kim said, "Nexon will continue creative and innovative challenges amid changing environments," adding, "We will build a new game ecosystem so that the whole world can become Nexon's stage."