Korean game studios diversify portfolios to appeal to global gamers

Korean game studios are expediting efforts to diversify their portfolios, breaking away from their usual success formulas to attract global gamers with new genres and platforms.

Big-name Korean game developers have built their track records off the strong domestic popularity of mobile massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), but they are increasingly turning their attention to global demand, expanding into more action-oriented RPGs, shooters and even subculture-themed titles to enable new growth.

According to NCSOFT, it will release seven titles developed and published in-house in the second half of this year.

The flagship title will be AION 2, a sequel to the company’s 2008 hit-title AION. AION 2 is an MMORPG, but will feature more action-oriented gameplay including expansive player-versus-environment content, a manual control-based combat system and enhanced freedom of aerial movement, to appeal to both existing fan bases and Western markets.

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the title will be available on PlayStation5, Xbox Series X and S, PC and mobile. It is scheduled to launch in Korea and Taiwan in the second half of this year, followed by North America and Europe next year.

Its shooter title, LLL, is also gaining interest as NCSOFT’s new growth driver. Under a planned launch, closed beta testing is scheduled in the second half of the year. LLL is recognized for its strong potential as a sustainable intellectual property due to its gameplay combining sci-fi, alternate history and massively multiplayer online playing.

Along with LLL, NCSOFT will publish Time Takers, a third-person survival shooter currently in development by Mistil Games, and DEFECT, a squad-based shooter under development by Emptyvessel of the U.S.

NCSOFT is also making strategic moves to target the subculture-themed market. It will publish Breakers, an animation-style RPG developed by Vic Game Studios. It is a new title aimed at subculture fans and has received positive feedback at Japanese events such as Tokyo Game Show and Niconico Chokaigi. NCSOFT has made investments into Emptyvessel and Vic Game Studios.

Netmarble, another domestic titan, unveiled its new title, Project EVILBANE, at IGN Live 2025 earlier this month. The game is a cooperative third-person shooter where four players team up to complete missions. Based on the IP of Netmarble’s hit title Raven, the company plans to conduct a pre-alpha test in the second half of the year.

Netmarble is also preparing to launch The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, an open-world action RPG based on the Japanese comic series “The Seven Deadly Sins,” in the second half of this year. To attract global users, the title is set to be released on PlayStation5, PC and mobile, which will be a fresh attempt for Netmarble, whose fame was built on mobile games.

Pearl Abyss and Kakao Games are also targeting the North American and European markets, with their respective upcoming console titles Crimson Desert and Chrono Odyssey.

Pearl Abyss has poured its full resources into action title Crimson Desert. Powered by the company’s in-house BlackSpace Engine, it is classified as a triple-A title, a term referring to games with development and marketing budgets exceeding $100 million.

Since last year, Pearl Abyss has been showcasing Crimson Desert at major global gaming events, including Gamescom. With top-tier graphics and immersive boss battles unveiled in trailers, the game has captured the attention of action game fans, and is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of this year on console platforms and PC.

“Korean game companies are working to diversify their IP portfolios through expanded partnerships with related industries and acquisitions of major content firms,” Samjong KPMG said in a recent report on trends in the domestic game industry.

“In Korea, companies such as Krafton and NCSOFT have been strengthening their capabilities through the acquisition of and investment in development studios, while also pursuing IP-focused strategic investments.”