NCSOFT is enhancing its collaboration with Microsoft Korea to ensure stable service operations for the upcoming global launch of 'Aion 2' in October. The partnership aims to leverage Microsoft Azure's global infrastructure to handle large simultaneous connections and regional traffic, while also improving Aion 2's global competitiveness through collaboration in technology, operations, and marketing.
NCSOFT announced on the 15th that it is strengthening strategic cooperation with Microsoft Korea for the global service of 'Aion.'
The two companies plan to collaborate across all areas of technology, operations, and marketing to prepare for the global launch and stable service operations of Aion 2, which is set for official release on October 5.
On the 14th, they met at NCSOFT's R&D center in Pangyo, Seongnam, to discuss collaboration strategies utilizing each other's technologies. Key executives, including NCSOFT's Chief Business Officer Baek Seung-wook and Microsoft Korea CEO Cho Won-woo, attended the meeting.
To effectively respond to the expected large simultaneous connections and regional traffic fluctuations associated with the global launch, the companies plan to actively utilize Azure's global infrastructure.
Microsoft will deploy its global technical team alongside a dedicated team in Korea to support the entire process, from performance validation before launch to rapid issue resolution after service begins. Additionally, they plan to gradually expand their collaboration through joint marketing efforts with Microsoft's global gaming organization to broaden user engagement.
Aion 2 is considered a key title for NCSOFT's global business expansion. Following its domestic launch in November 2025, it generated revenues of 136.8 billion won in the first quarter and 71.9 billion won in the second quarter of this year. The global version will be self-published through Steam and Purple, with regional servers established in North America, South America, Europe, and Japan, supporting ten languages.
Meanwhile, the collaboration between the two companies extends to NCSOFT's overall digital work environment. NCSOFT has implemented Microsoft 365 E5 company-wide to create a secure and collaborative work environment. They are also considering utilizing Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance employee productivity.
Baek Seung-wook, NCSOFT's Chief Business Officer, stated, "Microsoft is a key partner in NCSOFT's global challenges. Choosing Azure was not just an infrastructure decision but a strategic choice based on trust in Microsoft." He added, "With this collaboration, we aim to further enhance NCSOFT's global gaming competitiveness."
Cho Won-woo, CEO of Microsoft Korea, remarked, "Microsoft will support NCSOFT's service operations based on our cloud capabilities and engineering expertise, ensuring a stable gaming experience for players worldwide."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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