[Bu-aeri's Game Dictionary] Kakao Embraces the 'Father of Lineage'

Song Jae-kyung, CEO of XL Games

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] "We have decided to acquire XL Games led by CEO Song Jae-kyung. As a differentiated business operator engaged in game development, it has competitiveness." Yeominsu, Co-CEO of Kakao

"I am pleased to be able to work with Kakao Games. Through collaboration with Kakao Games, we will devote all our efforts to developing games that users can relate to and enjoy." Song Jae-kyung, CEO of XL Games

Kakao Games acquired a 53% stake in XL Games, the game developer behind 'Moonlight Sculptor,' on the 11th and took over management control. CEO Song, known as the father of 'The Kingdom of the Winds' and 'Lineage,' has joined Kakao.

As CEO Song is regarded as an indispensable figure in the Korean gaming industry, the industry is paying attention to the collaboration between Kakao and him. Song, a class of '86 graduate from Seoul National University’s Department of Computer Science, co-founded Nexon with Kim Jung-ju, CEO of NXC, whom he met during college, and developed 'The Kingdom of the Winds.'

However, Song left Nexon before 'The Kingdom of the Winds' officially launched. After focusing on developing 'Lineage,' Song joined hands with Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft, at his proposal. Lineage gained popularity immediately upon release, sparking the 'PC bang craze.' Lineage is also credited as the main contributor to the current success of NCSoft.

Song did not maintain a long relationship with NCSoft either. Due to conflicts with the management, Song left NCSoft and founded XL Games in 2003.

Although CEO Song did not achieve a blockbuster hit like 'The Kingdom of the Winds' or 'Lineage' at XL Games, 'Moonlight Sculptor' received favorable reviews, demonstrating his enduring capabilities. XL Games has grown into a mid-sized developer consistently generating annual sales of 30 to 40 billion KRW.

Kakao Games stated, "We will respect XL Games' culture and development philosophy and establish an independent system," adding, "We plan to respond to the changing market and provide excellent content through diverse and stable development and operations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.