Kim Taek-jin Returns to G-Star After 8 Years: "I Want to Hear That We've Refined the Genre Well"

Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft, Visits G-Star Booth
"Efforts to Lead New Culture"
NC Unveils 7 New Titles... Diversifying Platforms and Genres

Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft, visited Korea's largest game exhibition 'G-STAR 2023' for the first time in eight years. He emphasized NCSoft's transformation, saying, "I want to hear that we have refined not only consoles but also genres."

On the morning of the 16th, Kim made a surprise visit to NCSoft's booth at G-STAR held at BEXCO in Busan. Known as a reclusive manager, Kim had not appeared at G-STAR since NCSoft last participated eight years ago in 2015.

Wearing a black T-shirt with the NCSoft logo, Kim said, "Last night late and early this morning, I came out to check if anything was missing and did my best to prepare," adding, "Even now, I am worried if anything is lacking and am getting ready to welcome players," expressing his feelings about returning to G-STAR after eight years.

He said, "I am very curious about players' reactions to the new title challenging a genre other than MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online game). I will do my best until G-STAR ends."

NCSoft has recently started developing new titles not only for console platforms but also in genres other than the MMORPGs they have focused on. This reflects their intention to break away from the 'NCSoft = Lineage' framework.

When asked about the vision they plan to show through the new titles, Kim said, "As the gaming field has developed a lot, we have tried to find genres where NCSoft can play a role," explaining, "For LLL, we have worked to present a different image as a shooting genre in the console market. For BSS and Battle Crush, we aim to meet customers with casual genres."

NCSoft will unveil the largest number of new games among exhibitors, with seven titles. The newly introduced games are ▲shooting game ‘LLL’ ▲brawler action game ‘Battle Crush’ ▲MMORPG ‘Throne and Liberty (TL)’ ▲real-time strategy (RTS) game ‘Project G’ ▲interactive adventure game ‘Project M’ ▲collectible RPG ‘Project BSS’ ▲puzzle game ‘Puzz Up Amitoy’. All are different genres, and TL is NCSoft’s first console-based game.

Kim also showed his intention to expand the main user base of their games from 'Linjeossi' (middle-aged men who play Lineage) to various age groups. He said, "As new generations emerge, the customer base enjoying games also changes with the new generation," adding, "Genres that were marginalized, such as subculture, are becoming mainstream." He continued, "As trends change, customers change, and game development is striving to adapt well and lead new cultures," adding, "G-STAR is a place where we can see how well our new titles fit players."

NCSoft plans to continue developing games across various genres as well as for console platforms. Regarding this, Kim emphasized, "We are showcasing two console platform-based titles this year, but next year and the year after are even more anticipated," adding, "There are more things we want to show that we are preparing internally."

He continued, "Through the new lineup, we want to show that we are taking a step forward. Even the titles coming out the year after next have been made and remade over many years to introduce good works to players," saying, "I want to hear that we have refined not only consoles but also genres."

NCSoft recently revealed that it is reviewing potential M&A (mergers and acquisitions) targets. Regarding this, Kim briefly responded, "The responsible company executives are following up well. G-STAR is a place to check what kind of games and future we are looking at."

Finally, Kim said, "Besides NCSoft, many other game companies have very interesting works at G-STAR," adding, "I would appreciate it if you watch with interest how creators in our country's game industry are making efforts."