Operating profits rise at Nexon, Krafton and Netmarble as expanded and new IPs drive performance, while Kakao Games swings to a loss amid a release gap. Source: FnGuide.
Based on disclosed information; compiled by Asia Today and translated by UPI
Jan. 1 (Asia Today) — Major South Korean game companies posted sharply different results in 2025, with performance largely tied to whether they shipped new titles built on established intellectual property or introduced new franchises, industry officials said.
Nexon is projected to report 2025 revenue of 4.5594 trillion won ($3.16 billion) and operating profit of 1.4112 trillion won ($979 million), up 13.7% and 26.4% from a year earlier, according to industry estimates.
The gains were attributed to the impact of recent releases including Mabinogi Mobile, Maple Raising and The First Berserker: Khazan. Mabinogi Mobile won the top prize at the 2025 Korea Game Awards held at BEXCO in Busan.
Krafton is also expected to top 1 trillion won ($693 million) in operating profit. The company’s 2025 revenue is estimated at 3.09 trillion won ($2.14 billion) with operating profit of 1.301 trillion won ($902 million), up about 14% and 10% on the year.
Krafton’s results were driven by its flagship PUBG: Battlegrounds franchise, with Battlegrounds Mobile India cited as a key growth engine in the Indian market.
Netmarble is projected to post 2025 revenue of 2.79 trillion won ($1.93 billion) and operating profit of 360 billion won ($250 million), up 4.7% and 68% from a year earlier. The company’s new titles based on in-house IP, including Vampyr and Seven Knights Re:Birth Global, were credited with supporting profitability, along with a higher share of self-developed games in its lineup.
NCSoft, which recorded its first loss since its initial public offering last year, is expected to return to profit. The company’s 2025 revenue is estimated at 1.45 trillion won ($1.01 billion) with operating profit of 15 billion won ($10.4 million), with strong early performance of the MMORPG Aion 2 cited as a key factor.
Kakao Games, however, is projected to swing to an operating loss amid delays in new releases. The company’s 2025 revenue is estimated at 470 billion won ($326 million) with an operating loss of 39 billion won ($27.0 million).
An industry official said game makers are leaning more heavily on proven franchises while trying to develop new IP, and that 2026 results will likely depend on whether companies can sustain release momentum.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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