NCsoft
NCsoft business and news from across the web.
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NCsoft acquires 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay
NCsoft has acquired a 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay for $202 million. This deal, expected to close by the end of April 2026, signifies NCsoft's continued expansion into the casual games market.
Sega responds to concerns after recording $200 million impairment write-down for Rovio
Sega has responded to concerns following a $200 million impairment write-down related to its acquisition of Rovio. Separately, NCsoft is acquiring a 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay for $202 million, a deal expected to close in April 2026 as the Korean company expands into the casual games market.
NCsoft acquires 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay
NCsoft has acquired a 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay. In separate news, Sega is addressing concerns following a $200 million impairment write-down related to its acquisition of Rovio, with CEO Haruki Satomi stating the company will learn from the experience for future endeavors.
Original founders of Bossfight Entertainment re-launch studio as Bossfight
NCsoft has acquired a 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay for $202 million, with the deal expected to close by the end of April 2026. This acquisition is part of NCsoft's ongoing strategy to expand its presence in the casual games market. Additionally, the original founders of Bossfight Entertainment have relaunched their studio under the new name Bossfight.
Brazil-based dev Gameplan joins Remote Control Productions
Brazilian developer Gameplan has joined Remote Control Productions. In a separate deal, NCsoft is acquiring a 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay for $202 million, aiming to expand its presence in the casual games market.
MMO Business Roundup: Unionized game devs march through GDC, 2K Games mocap devs unionize
The game industry saw significant unionization news this week, with unionized developers marching at GDC to advocate for workers' rights, including protections against AI and crunch. Additionally, motion capture performers at 2K Games have formed a union, securing a contract with benefits and protections against AI likeness reproduction. NCsoft also released a trailer for its tactical shooter Defect.
DEFECT story trailer released as NCSoft joins development
The first story teaser for the cyberpunk first-person shooter DEFECT has been released, showcasing the single-player mode where players control a System Control Officer marked deficient by an AI. NCSoft has joined developer emptyvessel as a partner for the single-player mode's development. The game is confirmed for PC with Steam Deck compatibility in development, and future playtests will be announced.
NC America to publish cyberpunk shooter DEFECT — MP3s & NPCs
NC America has announced it will publish emptyvessel's cyberpunk shooter DEFECT, which is slated for a PC release. The partnership aims to support the game's single-player experience, a focus that NC America highlighted as a strength in the current FPS landscape. DEFECT features a dystopian setting with both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes.
MMO Business Roundup: Game devs on Marathon concurrency discourse, Matt Booty says no new layoffs
Microsoft's CCO Matt Booty stated there will be no immediate layoffs at Xbox studios. Game developers are defending Marathon's concurrency numbers, while NCsoft is investing in third-party studios JustPlay and emptyvessel. Roblox has launched new development programs, Incubator and Jumpstart, to support creators on its platform.
NC AMERICA PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT DEVELOPER ‘EMPTYVESSEL’ TO PUBLISH DEFECT
NC America has partnered with independent developer emptyvessel to publish the close-quarter cyberpunk shooter, DEFECT. This agreement will allow emptyvessel to focus on developing both its multiplayer and single-player gameplay. DEFECT is a team-based, objective-driven first-person shooter set in a dystopian city.
DEFECT to be published by NC America
NC America, the western publishing division of NCSOFT, will publish the close-quarter cyberpunk shooter DEFECT, developed by emptyvessel. Further details about the game's release are expected soon.
NCsoft acquires 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay
NCsoft is acquiring a 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay for $202 million, a deal expected to close by April 30, 2026. This move signifies NCsoft's expansion into the casual mobile games market. The article also details the re-launch of Bossfight Entertainment by its original founders after being shuttered by Netflix.
DEFECT is Now Being Published by NC America
NC America, the US division of NCSoft, has announced it will publish the upcoming cyberpunk shooter DEFECT, developed by emptyvessel. While a release date has not been set, both companies expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting NCSoft's support for the game's single-player experience and its potential in the competitive FPS market. The game will feature team-based multiplayer matches and a HUD-less single-player mode, with music by Mick Gordon.
SEVEN KNIGHTS RE:BIRTH UNVEILS FIRST-EVER COLLABORATION WITH SOLO LEVELING
Netmarble announced that its collectible RPG Seven Knights Re:BIRTH will feature its first-ever collaboration with the anime series Solo Leveling. A teaser video for the crossover, scheduled for release on March 19, has been released, with further content and a social media event planned. The collaboration aims to engage players and celebrate the game's first major crossover since its launch.
Every Game Delayed Right Now (2026 Edition)
Numerous video games scheduled for release in 2025 and 2026 have been delayed, with developers citing reasons such as the need for additional polish, relocation due to conflict, or engine changes. Notable titles affected include Grand Theft Auto VI, Ark 2, Fable, and Path of Exile 2, with new release windows now extending into late 2026 or beyond for many.
Dreadmyst’s solo dev apparently halted work on the MMORPG and yanked it off Steam (again)
The solo-developed MMORPG Dreadmyst has ceased development and has been removed from Steam for the second time. The developer announced they are stepping away from the project, leaving owners with access but removing it from sale. Speculation suggests the game's previous removal and return may have been a stunt rather than a DMCA issue.
Jobs Roundup: February 2026 | UK games publisher PQube appoints Dominic Wheatley as chairman
Several key appointments and leadership transitions have occurred across the games industry. Dominic Wheatley has been named chairman of PQube, Ricardo Briceno is the new CEO of Gamefam, and Craig Cincotta has returned to Xbox. Additionally, Christie Golden joins IO Interactive as principal writer, and Joshua Mills takes over as creative director for Rainbow Six Siege at Ubisoft Montréal.
PlayStation Studios: All Sony First-Party Developers and What They're Working On
Sony's first-party development teams, known collectively as PlayStation Studios, are working on a variety of new games across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5 and PC. The article details each studio's history, location, and current known projects, ranging from racing simulations and 3D platformers to narrative horror and large-scale multiplayer titles.
