Nexon America
Nexon America business and news from across the web.- MMO Business Roundup: Marathon’s lawsuit, the Sony petition, TGS 2026, and Minecraft’s fateThis 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.
- ARC Raiders begins next expedition and trials season, collabs with The Finals, and improves matchmakingEmbark 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.
With the sword of Microsoft hanging over it, Blizzard quietly drops Overwatch in Korea into the hands of NexonBlizzard 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.- MMO Week in Review: EverQuest risingThis 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 contentNexon 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 MahoneyFormer 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 CommunityThe 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 KoreaNexon, 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 weekjNexon 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’ CCGThis 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 disclosureValve 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.- MapleStory brings a new class, new bosses, and system updates in this week’s Ride the Lightning updateMapleStory's 'Ride the Lightning' update introduces the new Erel Light class with stellar-powered abilities, alongside significant system changes including a revamped V Matrix, new Hexa Sol Hecate node, and an updated star force enhancement mode. The update also adds two new bosses, Malefic Star and Kai, class adjustments, Discord integration, and Operation: Dive events.
- First Impressions: Embers of the Uncrowned is a rollercoaster of gore, Elf butts, and classic RPG vibesEmbers of the Uncrowned is an upcoming MMOARPG from Nexon that features a blend of gore, elves, and classic RPG elements. The game offers deep character customization and a companion system, though the demo implementation felt underdeveloped. Despite some jarring tonal shifts between mature themes and gratuitous visuals, the game provides a satisfying combat experience reminiscent of Lost Ark, with a focus on rebuilding a noble legacy and recruiting followers.
- Nexon Developers Conference 26 Opens TodayThe Nexon Developers Conference (NDC) 26 has opened, focusing on Artificial Intelligence in game development. The conference, held by NEXON Korea Corporation, features 51 sessions covering planning, production, and live operations, with a special emphasis on how AI can streamline experimentation and creative processes. The event also includes exhibitions of Nexon IP artwork and game sound production.
- Nexon’s Embers of the Uncrowned MMOARPG has a free demo now live for Steam Next FestNexon's dark fantasy MMOARPG, Embers of the Uncrowned, now has a free demo available on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest. The demo features 12 bosses, three core regions, and various gameplay systems, and will be available until June 22nd. The game has drawn some criticism for its use of AI in development.
Embers of the Uncrowned Demo Pre-Download Opens Ahead of Steam Next FestNexon has announced that the pre-download for the Embers of the Uncrowned demo will be available on Steam starting June 13, ahead of its playable period during Steam Next Fest from June 15-22. The demo will offer over 3 hours of main quest gameplay and more than 8 hours of total content, featuring three regions, multiple boss encounters, multiplayer activities, and cloud gaming support via Nvidia GeForce Now and Boosteroid.
Evangelion Characters Join The First Descendant in New CrossoverThe First Descendant is set to receive its first anime crossover event, featuring characters from the Rebuild of Evangelion series. The event, starting on June 18, 2026, will include Asuka Shikinami Langley, Mari Illustrious Makinami, and Rei Ayanami, along with new weapon skins and emotes. This marks the third major crossover for The First Descendant, following previous events with Bayonetta and NieR: Automata.
Analyst: Q1 2026 revenue figures show there is still demand for compelling single-player video gamesGlobal game content revenue saw a 3.6% year-over-year increase in Q1 2026, reaching $54.14 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Companies like Capcom and Pearl Abyss reported significant growth, driven by titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert, indicating continued consumer demand for compelling single-player experiences alongside live-service games. PC emerged as the fastest-growing platform.- FACE THE FINAL PROPHET IN BLUE ARCHIVE’S EX. DECAGRAMMATON CHAPTER 3: THE SKY OF UNITY PART 3 UPDATENexon has released the "EX. Decagrammaton Chapter 3: The Sky of Unity Part 3" update for its anime-style RPG, Blue Archive, on PC, Android, iOS, and Steam. The update introduces new students Kei ★3 and Aris (Armed) ★3, a new event story, a boss raid against 'Malkuth,' and campaign rewards. Nexon will also discuss the game's development at the Nexon Developer Conference on June 17.