Nexon America
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MapleStory Classic World opens sign-ups to August’s test, including MacOS support
Nexon has opened registration for the second closed beta test of MapleStory Classic World, a legacy version of the MMORPG, running from August 4th to 12th. The test will include new features like 3rd Job Advancement, controller support, and MacOS compatibility, with sign-ups closing on July 29th. The article also briefly touches on recent balance discussions for the retail version of MapleStory.
It'd be an exhausting lie to pretend I don't like SNK, so I won't
The author expresses concern over Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's acquisition of SNK and its influence on games like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, citing the controversial inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo. While acknowledging the necessity of funding in game development and the broad reach of Saudi investments across the industry, the author advocates for holding companies accountable for problematic decisions rather than boycotting entire entities.
MapleStory Classic World eyes August for more closed beta testing with sign-ups this week
Nexon announced that MapleStory Classic World will hold its second closed beta testing phase from August 4th to August 12th, with sign-ups beginning on July 16th. This legacy version of the MMO aims to transport players back to the 2005-2009 era of the game, incorporating both classic elements and new content with slower progression.
2-D pixelart MMO Soul’s Remnant dates August 13 for early access
Studio Chaomoon announced that the 2-D pixelart MMORPG Soul's Remnant will launch its early access on August 13th, a slight delay from the previously planned August 5th date. This adjustment was made to avoid overlapping with Nexon's MapleStory Classic World test runs, ensuring a smoother launch for Soul's Remnant. The developers are currently refining the game and preparing a Day One content patch.
MMO Week in Review: 213
Microsoft's significant layoffs have heavily impacted the Elder Scrolls Online live team, reducing its size to that of 2015-2018. This week also saw Warframe's TennoCon, Aion 2 previewing its monetization, Tencent acquiring the PlanetSide franchise, Star Trek Online launching Undiscovered, and Gamigo porting Fiesta Online to consoles.
MMO Business Roundup: Marathon’s lawsuit, the Sony petition, TGS 2026, and Minecraft’s fate
This MMO business roundup covers several key events, including the settlement of a lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett against Sony and Bungie. It also highlights an online petition by PNP Games urging Sony to continue supporting physical media, which has garnered a significant number of signatures. Additionally, Nexon announced its presence at Tokyo Game Show, and an article from Gamespot questions Microsoft's strategy for Minecraft's future, suggesting a focus on competing with Roblox could be detrimental.
Business and Finance
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. will announce its first quarter fiscal year 2027 financial results on August 7, 2026. Additionally, Nexon will take over PC publishing duties for Overwatch in South Korea.
ARC Raiders begins next expedition and trials season, collabs with The Finals, and improves matchmaking
Embark Studios has launched Expedition 4 and Trials Season 5 for its PvPvE extraction shooter ARC Raiders, running until July 21st and September 30th respectively. The update also introduces individual matchmaking preferences for solo, duo, and trio play, and a collaboration with Nexon's The Finals where completing contracts in The Finals unlocks cosmetics for ARC Raiders. Additionally, the patch includes bug fixes and ongoing efforts to combat cheating.
Nexon to assume publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea
Nexon will assume publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea from Blizzard Entertainment starting August 12. Blizzard will continue to lead game development, while Nexon will manage live service and business operations for the Korean market. This partnership aims to provide a hyper-localized experience for players, with player migration scheduled to begin on the same day as the game's fourth season launch.
With the sword of Microsoft hanging over it, Blizzard quietly drops Overwatch in Korea into the hands of Nexon
Blizzard Entertainment is transferring publishing duties for Overwatch in Korea to Nexon, with a new PC service set to launch on August 12. This move comes amidst significant restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division, including layoffs and studio divestitures. Nexon aims to enhance the Overwatch experience through hyperlocalization and advanced live operations.
Blizzard and Nexon announce a publishing collab for Overwatch in South Korea
Blizzard Entertainment and Nexon have announced that Nexon will take over the publishing of Overwatch in South Korea starting August 12. This transition will effectively launch a locally managed version of the PC game for players in the region, with registration and account linking now open. Nexon plans to offer various benefits, including potential Korea-exclusive content and events, to enhance the player experience.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest rising
This week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
The First Descendant’s 2026 roadmap includes multiple new heroes, dungeons, and PvEvP content
Nexon has detailed its 2026 content roadmap for The First Descendant, including new heroes, dungeons, and game modes. Updates throughout the year will introduce features like a new Mega Dungeon, a transcendent weapon system, randomized dungeon content, and asymmetric PvEvP modes.
Analyzing the game industry's woes with Owen Mahoney
Former Nexon CEO Owen Mahoney discusses the game industry's challenges and his views on emerging technologies. After 25 years in the industry, he criticizes trends like the metaverse, VR, and NFTs but expresses optimism about generative AI's potential to revolutionize game development.
"When Arc Raiders was at its peak," Embark was burning 30 terabytes of data per day tracking every single bullet fired: "We want to know who shot first"
Embark Studios, developer of Arc Raiders and The Finals, employs extensive data tracking to analyze player behavior, with up to 30 terabytes of data processed daily. This data is used for anti-cheat measures, bug detection, weapon balancing, and tuning the matchmaking system to differentiate player aggression levels. The studio can track events like bullet impacts and player positions with very low latency, providing granular insights into gameplay.
DAVE THE DIVER Mobile Pre-Registration Now Live on iOS and Android | Invision Game Community
The underwater adventure RPG Dave the Diver is now available for pre-registration on iOS and Android devices. Developed by Mintrocket and published by Nexon, the game combines deep-sea exploration with sushi restaurant management, featuring over 200 sea creatures and a unique pixel-meets-3D visual style.
Nexon Announces Public-Private Partnership for Cultivating Next-Generation Game Development in Korea
Nexon, in partnership with Kona Venture Partners and Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has established a public-private fund committing ₩250 billion over five years to cultivate early-stage game development studios in Korea. The initiative aims to address a funding contraction in the market and support the creation of next-generation games and globally scalable intellectual property, particularly leveraging emerging technologies like AI.
The conclusion to Mabinogi’s Ruins in Twilight story update arrives this weekj
Nexon is releasing the conclusion to Mabinogi's two-part Ruins in Twilight story update on June 25th. The update will continue the high-level questline, introduce Korean voiceovers for all characters, and offer significant rewards upon completion.
MMO Week in Review: ArcheAge’s revival, Guild Wars’ CCG
This week's MMO news roundup covers a variety of topics including Guild Wars receiving a CCG in China, ArcheAge's revival, and Richard Garriott's efforts to regain Ultima copyright. It also features updates on Tomo Endless Blue's Kickstarter success, Embers of the Uncrowned, and Diablo Immortal's new Warlock patch.
Steam Next Fest's top played games include only 1 of over 500 demos with an AI disclosure
Valve has revealed the top ten most played demos from Steam Next Fest, with Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad and an offroading sim by the Art of Rally developers among the most popular. Notably, only one of the featured games, Nexon's Embers of the Uncrowned, disclosed the use of AI in its development. The article highlights the increasing prevalence of AI disclosures in game development and suggests Steam should implement a filter for AI-generated content.
