Major Korean game companies are set to unveil new subculture titles at the Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS 2026), catering to local user preferences. They also plan to introduce games based on popular Japanese intellectual properties (IPs).
According to the gaming industry on September 8, the '3N'—Nexon, NC, and Netmarble—along with Smilegate and NHN, will participate in TGS 2026, taking place from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, to showcase their new subculture games.
The decision by these major Korean game companies to present subculture games, aside from their main genres, is driven by an annual growth rate of 15-16% and a solid fan base. This genre tends to thrive even during market downturns.
NC, which has set up a dedicated booth at TGS, is responsible for the global publishing of 'Astraea Oratio,' a subculture role-playing game (RPG) developed by Dynamis One. They will debut a demo version, showcasing the game's scenario and combat build.
Nexon Games will leverage its experience from 'Blue Archive' to introduce a new title. The RX Studio, part of the IO division that developed 'Blue Archive,' has officially named its project 'Paralydia,' which will also be showcased for the first time at TGS. 'Paralydia' is a game featuring beautiful girls, available on PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Netmarble will prominently feature 'Pearl in Blue,' developed by its subsidiary. Since the launch of 'Fate/Grand Order' in 2017, Netmarble has been expanding its subculture game offerings. Recently, they released 'Monster Taming: Star Dive,' a reinterpretation of their own IP 'Monster Taming' tailored to subculture sensibilities.
Smilegate will present the subculture collection RPG 'Future City: The Invisible Future.' The event will include game demonstrations and a stage featuring popular Japanese cosplayers Iori Moe and Enako. Additionally, while not classified strictly as subculture, Shift Up's 'Stella Blade Complete Edition' will be released for the Nintendo Switch 2, drawing attention.
Numerous games optimized for local audiences using Japanese manga and anime IPs will also be showcased. Netmarble will demonstrate 'Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Strongest,' based on a popular Japanese IP, and host a talk show featuring the original anime's voice cast. Smilegate will present 'Dead Account: Two Blue Flames,' a team roguelite RPG based on the work of Japanese manga artist Watanabe Shizumu. Netmarble will also unveil 'Solo Leveling: Karma,' an action RPG that has been animated simultaneously in Japan and Korea.
NHN will return to TGS for the first time in eight years through its local subsidiary NHN PlayArt. NHN PlayArt plans to showcase seven titles, including three new games, to expand its engagement with Japanese users.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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