NCSoft is working to grow beyond MMORPG roots

NCSoft will make a foray into the console game market to establish a presence across all gaming genres and to grow beyond massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs).

Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft, said that it will roll out new console games and develop new types of games to bolster its profitability. The chief also noted that the company will center its efforts on overseas expansion this year.

“The growing global console game market sets a new stage,” the CEO said during the annual general shareholders’ meeting held at its headquarters in Pangyo, Gyeonggi.

“[NCSoft] is developing a series of new console games and new genres never tried before,” he said.

Many of the NCSoft’s titles, including Lineage, City of Heroes and Blade & Soul, are categorized as MMORPGs running on mobile devices or PCs.

Fuser is seen as a critical initiative in NCSoft’s diversification efforts since the rhythm game is a fresh genre for the company.

Developed by Rock Band and Dance Central developer Harmonix, Fuser lets a user become a D.J. at a massive music festival.

Following its unveiling last month at the PAX East festival in Boston, it will be released this year.

NCSoft was expected to showcase more of its console games in E3, the global game expo in the United States, although the event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Another focus for this year, Kim said, is to expand its foothold in the overseas market by introducing new games abroad.

“We will pull all resources to strengthen our presence in the global market this year,” Kim said.

“Beginning with Lineage 2M, we will aggressively target the global market with new titles.”

Lineage 2M is the mobile version of PC-based Lineage series and maintained the top ranking in terms of the number of downloads and mobile game sales since its release last year.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]