MapleStory Domestic Revenue Surges 91%
New Titles Including "ARC Raiders" Set for Release in the Second Half
Nexon achieved its highest-ever first-half revenue this year, driven by strong performance from its core PC titles, successful new releases, and the global expansion of its intellectual property (IP) portfolio.
On August 13, Nexon announced that its operating profit for the second quarter of this year was 364.6 billion won (37.7 billion yen), a 17% decrease compared to the same period last year. Revenue for the same period was 1.1494 trillion won (118.9 billion yen), down 3% year-on-year. The exchange rate applied was 967.1 won per 100 yen.
However, for the first half of the year as a whole, Nexon recorded revenue of 2.231 trillion won (232.8 billion yen, based on the average first-half exchange rate of 958.4 won per 100 yen), setting a new all-time high. Operating profit reached 760.1 billion won (79.3 billion yen), a 7% increase from the same period last year.
Nexon explained that the strong performance of its flagship PC titles, such as "MapleStory," "Dungeon & Fighter," and "FC Online," played a significant role.
"MapleStory" saw a 91% increase in domestic revenue. The company stated, "The release of a new character and a major system overhaul through the June update received an enthusiastic response," adding, "As a result, MapleStory achieved its highest-ever PC cafe market share (25%), and overall revenue from the MapleStory IP grew 60% compared to the same period last year."
"Dungeon & Fighter" also demonstrated notable growth in both Korea and China, with PC version revenue increasing by 67% year-on-year. Additionally, "Mabinogi Mobile," which launched domestically in March, surpassed 1.95 million cumulative subscribers, contributing to the company's success.
Nexon noted, "Mabinogi Mobile differentiates itself from conventional combat-focused MMORPGs by offering life and community-based content such as gathering, cooking, fishing, and music, which has resonated strongly with users in their teens and twenties. According to Mobile Index in June, it ranked first in monthly active users (MAU) among teens in the MMORPG genre, presenting new growth potential in a market traditionally dominated by users in their thirties and forties."
The company also emphasized the expansion of its diverse IP portfolio across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Second-quarter revenue in North America and Europe increased by 34% compared to the same period last year, while revenue in Southeast Asia, centered on Taiwan, and other regions grew by 51%.
Nexon plans to continue unveiling new titles in the second half of the year and is accelerating efforts to secure "next big IPs" that will drive future growth.
The company reported that the shooting game "ARC Raiders," scheduled for release on October 30, successfully completed two technical tests in the second quarter and ranked sixth on Steam’s global wishlist.
Additionally, "MapleStory Idle," a new game based on the MapleStory IP and co-developed with domestic game studio AbleGames, is set for global release in the second half of the year. "The Finals," being prepared in partnership with Tencent, began its closed alpha test on August 8 and is accelerating toward official launch in China.
Other new titles in development include the zombie apocalypse survival game "Paradise: Last Paradise" and Nexon Games’ action-adventure title "Woochi the Wayfarer," which was unveiled for the first time on August 12, as Nexon continues to actively develop games across various genres.
Lee Jungheon, CEO of Nexon Japan, stated, "With the resurgence of our core titles and the acquisition of new growth engines, we will further solidify Nexon's position in the global market through our powerful IP lineup."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
