NCSoft has set a revenue target of up to 3.4 trillion won for 2027 as it embarks on a significant growth trajectory. The company plans to diversify its growth engines by adding global publishing and mobile casual gaming to its existing core intellectual property (IP) game business. CEO Park Byung-moo anticipates explosive growth by 2028, driven by enhanced business structure and the performance of major IPs.
According to NCSoft, the company recorded consolidated revenue of 686.5 billion won and an operating profit of 119.6 billion won for the third quarter of 2026. Revenue increased by 91% compared to the same period last year, while operating profit turned positive. However, compared to the previous quarter, revenue decreased by 11% and operating profit fell by 31%. The net profit for the period was reported at 20 billion won.
During the third-quarter earnings conference call, CEO Park described the quarter as one that successfully showcased the results of the acquisition of JustPlay, focused on mobile casual gaming, and the self-publishing capabilities of the new IP, Aion 2.
By the end of the third quarter, cumulative revenue reached 2.0144 trillion won, an 83% increase year-on-year. Having achieved the lower end of its annual revenue guidance of 2 trillion won ahead of schedule, NCSoft has raised its annual target from 2 trillion won to 2.8 trillion won. This adjustment considers the expected revenue from the global service of Aion 2 starting in the fourth quarter, in addition to the performance of existing IPs.
NCSoft's revenue guidance for 2027 is set between 3.2 trillion and 3.4 trillion won. CEO Park outlined three pillars for next year's growth strategy: expanding existing core IPs, strengthening global publishing capabilities, and growing the mobile casual gaming sector.
First, the company aims to bolster its revenue base using existing IPs. Lineage Classic generated 158.7 billion won in revenue during the third quarter, with cumulative revenue of 427.8 billion won over approximately eight months since its launch. NCSoft plans to enhance profitability from existing IPs through Aion Classic Mobile, Lineage M in China, and Mistbound, which utilizes the Guild Wars IP.
Global launches of new titles will also ramp up. NCSoft plans to introduce 10 new games across various genres, including shooting and subculture, to the global market by 2027. Notable titles include the shooting game 'Cinder City' and the subculture game 'Astraea Oratio.' Additionally, titles like 'Limit Zero Breakers' and 'Time Takers' are in development. CEO Park stated that 'Astraea Oratio' will be the first to launch in the first quarter, with one to two titles expected to be released each month in the first and second quarters.
Mobile casual gaming is positioned as a key growth driver for next year's performance. The strategy involves expanding synergies among the reward platform, development studio, and publishing business centered around JustPlay. CEO Park projected that revenue from the reward app, along with publishing and mobile casual studio operations, will account for 25-30% of next year's guidance.
The growth of the mobile casual gaming market is attributed to an increase in game supply and competitive advertising technology. CEO Park noted that while 2,000 mobile casual games were launched monthly last year, this year the number has risen to 4,000-5,000. He explained that a user-friendly service structure and high user acquisition efficiency are creating a virtuous cycle leading to rising advertising costs, suggesting continued growth.
Chief Financial Officer Hong Won-jun stated that next year's revenue guidance does not account for additional growth from new mergers and acquisitions.
Park also emphasized the importance of business competitiveness in response to the AI era. He noted that while expanding game development capabilities using AI, the competitiveness of NCSoft's core MMORPGs is expected to remain strong for a considerable time. He stated, 'The MMORPGs, which are NCSoft's core strength, possess vast game content, sophisticated server technology, and ongoing live operations, making them difficult to replace with AI for the foreseeable future.'
He added, 'In a reality where numerous games are being developed through AI, strengthening publishing capabilities becomes even more crucial. Enhancing global publishing capabilities for core games and expanding publishing in the mobile casual sector will create a structure for sustained growth even in an AI environment.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.