Google and Korean Game Giants in Hot Water Over Alleged Collusion

Allegations of Google and Korean Game Companies’ Collusion Spark Controversy Domestic game companies have come under scrutiny following allegations that they unfairly received benefits, such as profit-sharing and marketing campaign support, in exchange for releasing their game apps exclusively on Google Play Store. The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) accused Netmarble, NCSoft, Com2uS, and Pearl Abyss of collaborating with Google to monopolize the app market. These companies have denied the allegations, stating that they have neither received rebates nor engaged in illegal activities. At a press conference on October 21, the CCEJ, alongside the Korea Game User Association and the Korea Game Consumer Association, claimed that Google Korea, Google Asia Pacific, and the four game companies unfairly acquired approximately 685 billion won in profits through rebate programs, manipulated app exposure in advertisements, and supported Lifetime Value (LTV) creation programs. […]

Myoungwon Kim November 22

Journal

G-STAR 2024 Preview

As we gear up for G-STAR 2024, the largest gaming exhibition in Korea, excitement is building around the major game developers who are unveiling their highly anticipated titles. This year’s G-STAR, set to take place from November 14 to 17 at the BEXCO Convention Center in Busan, promises to be the biggest yet, with 3,281 booths—101% larger than last year. With global gaming powerhouses like Nexon, Netmarble, and Krafton showcasing their latest innovations, here’s a sneak peek at what to expect. Nexon Leads with Massive Presence Nexon, the event’s main sponsor, is expected to draw significant attention with its lineup, though details remain under wraps until the upcoming “Nexon Media Day” on October 30. Speculation is rife that titles like First Berserker: Kazan, which was teased at Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show, will headline the booth. With 300 booths dedicated to their […]

Myoungwon Kim October 23

Journal

Subculture Games in Korea: Successes, Failures, and Future Outlook

Subculture games are titles that target a niche audience or a specific fandom rather than aiming for a broad, mainstream market. These games attract a devoted fanbase that tends to deeply immerse themselves in the game’s characters and world. This immersion often results in a unique spending pattern, where players are willing to invest significantly in the game to enhance their experience. The genre itself often draws inspiration from Japanese anime, manga, and game culture, making it particularly appealing to younger generations. Recently, this genre has rapidly grown in Korea’s mobile game market and has also garnered attention in the global gaming scene. SHIFTUP and Nexon’s Bright Future Among Korean game companies, SHIFTUP and Nexon have notably succeeded in the subculture genre. SHIFTUP’s Goddess of Victory: NIKKE has achieved global success, captivating players worldwide with stunning graphics and compelling storytelling. […]

Myoungwon Kim September 26

Journal

Korean Indie Games: Pioneering Global Success

Korean indie games are making waves in the global gaming industry. In recent years, several Korean indie titles have gained recognition and acclaim across the world. Let’s explore some of the standout ones. The Devil Within: Satgat Developed by Newcore Games, The Devil Within: Satgat blends traditional Korean culture with a post-apocalyptic narrative, creating a unique and immersive gaming experience. Set in a fictional Joseon era, the game tells the story of ‘Kim Rip’, a loyal bodyguard betrayed by his comrades and driven by a desire to restore justice in a world overrun by demons. The game draws heavily on Korean historical themes while incorporating dark fantasy elements. The title Satgat refers to a traditional Korean hat worn to protect against rain, snow, or sunlight, adding a cultural layer to the game’s aesthetic. The Devil Within: Satgat has received numerous […]

Myoungwon Kim September 12

Journal

New Korean Game Releases in Late 2024

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 […]

Myoungwon Kim September 5

Journal

The Buzz Around Pearl Abyss’s Upcoming Game ‘DokeV’

Pearl Abyss's DokeV, an open-world action-adventure game, gained widespread attention after its 2021 Gamescom trailer. As Crimson Desert nears completion, Pearl Abyss plans to focus on DokeV development, with more updates expected soon.

Myoungwon Kim August 14

Journal

Top 10 Downloaded Korean Mobile Game Developers in 2024: Part 2

https://www.gamigion.com/top-10-downloaded-korean-mobile-game-developers-in-2024-part-1/ 6. CookApps CookApps specializes in casual and puzzle games. They are known for their creative and engaging game designs that attract a wide range of players globally. On April 28th, the Korean app market One Store announced CookApps' Self-Service Knight : idle RPG as the top beta game. The game combines the chest root genre and idle RPG, offering players the experience of crafting weapons, gathering allies, and clearing various dungeons. It also features a unique gear crafting and free draw system. 7. Button E&M Button E&M is an Android developer that has been active since 2016 and has only one mobile game Anger of stick 5 : zombie in Google Play. It is highly ranked in several countries, and is also one of the most popular apps in the Android ecosystem with more than 100 million installs. 8. […]

Myoungwon Kim August 7

Journal

Top 10 Downloaded Korean Mobile Game Developers in 2024: Part 1

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Myoungwon Kim July 30

Journal

The Korean Gaming Industry: Key Insights

Overview of the Korean Gaming Market The Korean gaming industry is a global powerhouse, ranking as the fourth-largest video game market worldwide. This success is driven by a combination of advanced IT infrastructure, extensive internet access, and a deep-rooted passion for technology. Korea's rapid digital advancement, supported by government investments, has created a fertile ground for the gaming industry to thrive. The prevalence of PC rooms, known as ‘PC bangs’, has played a crucial role, serving not only as venues for gaming but also as social hubs where people gather to compete and connect. These PC bangs have fostered a unique gaming culture centered around community and competition, where games like Starcraft and Lineage became cultural phenomena. Major companies like Nexon and NCSoft have capitalized on this environment, leading the market with innovative games that appeal to both local and […]

Myoungwon Kim July 24

Myoungwon Kim

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