As we enter the second half of 2024, the Korean gaming industry is gearing up for significant changes, with several highly anticipated titles set for release. This period is crucial for developers as they aim to build on the successes of the first half of the year while strengthening their business strategies through new game launches. These new titles will span multiple platforms, including mobile, PC, and consoles, as companies push to expand their global presence. Many of these games leverage popular IPs or bring fresh innovations to the market, offering players diverse experiences.
Nexon: Mobile Adaptations of Popular IPs and New Genre Challenges
Nexon is preparing to launch several highly anticipated games in late 2024. Among these is Mabinogi Mobile, a mobile adaptation of the beloved Mabinogi IP, which originally debuted as a PC MMORPG in 2004. Known for its unique world-building and life-simulation content, Mabinogi has maintained a strong following. The mobile version promises to stay true to the original’s charm while optimizing the experience for mobile users.
Additionally, Nexon plans to release Arc Raiders, a third-person PvPvE extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios, and Supervibe, a PC action sandbox game from Theorycraft Games, which will be serviced in Korea and Japan. Fans can also look forward to MapleStory N, which integrates blockchain elements into the popular MapleStory universe, with a release likely later this year. Finally, the hardcore action RPG First Berserker: Kazan, based on the Dungeon & Fighter IP, is set for a 2025 launch but made its debut at Gamescom 2024 for players to experience firsthand.
NCSoft: Recovery Through Restructuring and New Releases
NCSoft recently underwent significant internal restructuring and is now focusing on improving its business operations through investments and securing publishing rights for promising titles. The company has invested in Swedish developer Moon Rover Games and acquired the global publishing rights for Breakers: Unlock the World, a subculture game developed by Korea’s Big Game Studio.
Looking ahead to late 2024, NCSoft plans to regain its market position with several new releases. On September 28, Ho-Yeon, a new switching RPG, will be launched in markets like Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, where NCSoft’s previous title, Blade & Soul, found success. Throne and Liberty saw strong engagement during its global OBT on Steam, and NCSoft, in partnership with Amazon Games, plans to globally release the game on October 1. The company also intends to introduce a new game based on one of its legacy IPs in Q4, aiming for a global launch.
Netmarble: Riding the Success of Solo Leveling: ARISE
Netmarble saw massive success in the first half of 2024 with Solo Leveling: ARISE, a mobile game based on a popular webtoon. Building on this momentum, the company has more exciting releases planned for the second half of the year.
The first of these was the August 13 release of the casual mobile RPG The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, a game that combines the popular anime IP with idle gameplay mechanics, similar to the successful Seven Knights franchise. Upcoming releases include King Arthur: Legends Rise, a cross-platform collection-based strategy RPG developed by Kabam, and RF Online Next, an SF MMORPG based on the 2004 title RF Online. Additionally, Netmarble will introduce Demis Reborn, a subculture RPG based on its original Grand Cross IP.
Krafton: Expanding into Global Markets with Dark and Darker Mobile
Krafton continues to invest heavily in the global gaming market, with a focus on North America and Europe. The company has invested in over 27 gaming companies and is committed to expanding their core titles into IPs worth 10 trillion KRW through its “Scale-Up Creative” strategy.
Recently, Krafton made headlines with its investment in Japanese developer Tango Gameworks, acquiring not only development talent but also the IP for the stylish action game Hi-Fi Rush, which was released in 2023. Although Microsoft’s May closure of Tango was a shock, Krafton’s investment ensures the continuation of the Hi-Fi Rush series and other upcoming titles.
In late 2024, Krafton plans to release Dark and Darker Mobile, the mobile adaptation of the popular PC game Dark and Darker, which maintains the original’s deep gameplay while optimizing it for mobile devices. Another title, inZoi, a life simulation game, is also in the works and will launch in Early Access on Steam later this year. Both games were playable at Gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany.
Kakao Games: Diverse New Releases on the Horizon
Kakao Games is preparing a variety of new releases for the latter half of 2024. On August 14, the company launched Stormgate, a PC RTS game developed by Frost Giant Studios, signaling a potential resurgence of the RTS genre in Korea.
Following Stormgate, Kakao Games will launch three more titles in Q4. These include the early access release of Path of Exile 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the hit PC action RPG Path of Exile, which has garnered a loyal fanbase. Additionally, Ocean Drive Studio’s strategy RPG Lost Eidolons: Witch of Deception will be released on both PC and console platforms. Lastly, Valhalla Survival, a roguelike casual mobile game developed by Odin creators Lionheart Studio, will also debut. These titles are expected to make an impact both domestically and globally.
As we move into the second half of 2024, the Korean gaming industry is poised to make waves globally with a strong lineup of new releases. Game developers are leveraging the successes of the first half of the year, and the industry is set to lead the way with innovative and exciting games that will shape the market for years to come.
