NCSoft to Target Global Market Next Year with "Aion Mobile" Launch in China

Confidence in Unveiling Unannounced MMO at G-Star
"Aion Mobile to Launch in China Next Year"
"Own Payment System Transition to Be Completed by End of This Month"

NCSoft is accelerating its push into the global market next year, starting with its highly anticipated new release for the second half of the year, 'Aion 2'. The company continues to expand the value of its legacy intellectual property through spin-offs. After narrowing its losses in the third quarter, NCSoft is expected to launch a series of new titles, creating new revenue streams and mounting a counteroffensive.

NCSoft's 'Aion 2'. Provided by NCSoft

On November 11, Hong Wonjun, Chief Financial Officer of NCSoft, stated during the third-quarter earnings conference call, "We are co-developing 'Aion Mobile' with Shengqu Games and plan to launch it in China next year." The company aims not only to release a sequel to its flagship IP, 'Aion', but also to maintain momentum by introducing a mobile version.

Shengqu Games, formerly known as Shanda Games, is a Chinese game company with experience distributing not only 'Aion' but also Nexon's 'Crazy Arcade' and 'MapleStory', as well as Actoz's 'Legend of Mir 2'. The company is reportedly confident about obtaining the necessary license for 'Aion Mobile' to enter the local market.

In addition, NCSoft plans to relaunch 'Lineage W' in Southeast Asia in the first half of next year and expand its service to North America and Russia. The company is also preparing to introduce 'Lineage M' and 'Lineage 2M' to the Chinese market.

NCSoft will unveil 'Aion 2', which will open the door to global expansion, at 'G-Star 2025', which kicks off in Busan on November 13. The official launch date is November 19. Park Byungmoo, Co-CEO of NCSoft, said, "We did not disclose the number of pre-registrations, as we believe it could distort expectations or evaluations," adding, "The pre-character creation event last month closed within two to three minutes, indicating a stronger response than expected. It would be better to check the results in a week."

At G-Star, the company also plans to showcase 'Limit Zero Breakers', 'Cinder City', and 'Time Takers', all scheduled for release next year. In addition, an unreleased next-generation massively multiplayer online (MMO) game will be revealed. Regarding this, CEO Park said, "It is a very well-made game, and after an internal demonstration, we gave it a standing ovation." CFO Hong also emphasized, "We will show you how diligently we have been preparing behind the scenes." The release is scheduled for early the year after next.

NCSoft Pangyo R&D Center. Courtesy of NCSoft

Additionally, NCSoft announced that it will introduce its own mobile payment system to improve profitability. This move is expected to reduce not only fixed costs but also variable costs. CEO Park stated, "Smaller games have already transitioned, 'Lineage M' and 'Lineage 2M' will switch tomorrow, and 'Lineage W' will follow by the end of this month. For 'Aion 2', the default is to use our own payment system from the start. By the end of this month, all titles will have transitioned to our in-house payment system."

Meanwhile, NCSoft announced in a regulatory filing that, on a consolidated basis, its operating loss for the third quarter was 7.5 billion won, narrowing its deficit compared to the same period last year. One-off expenses, such as severance payments, were cited as factors impacting the loss. Revenue was 360 billion won, down 10% year-on-year, but net profit turned positive to 347.4 billion won due to proceeds from the sale of NC Tower 1 being reflected.

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