Nexon, which became NCsoft’s biggest shareholder back in 2012, recently announced that it will participate in the management of NCsoft based on its stake in the company (15.08%), reversing its original decision not to do so. Nexon, stock-listed in Japan, decided…
Angry Birds – China developer obtains development rights for popular IP
While Angry Birds and many of its spawns have been launched in China, this is the first time Rovio Entertainment has allowed a Chinese developer to make games based on the Angry Birds IP. Kalends (also known as Kunlun), has…
NCsoft – Investment in indie mobile studios continue with Araso Pandan
After announcing a massive push for mobile games at G-Star 2014, NCsoft subsequently spent over 700,000 USD purchasing two indie mobile games developer. Earlier today, NCsoft announced the investment of 275,000 USD in yet another indie studio with a focus on mobile…
NCsoft – New President announced for global and western ambitions
Yoon Song-yee, a former Vice President at NCsoft, was recently announced as NCsoft’s new President. She will take responsibility for mapping out the firm’s globalization strategy and management of NC West Holdings, an affiliate in the United States. Yoon is…
NCsoft – Korean developer begins acquiring indie mobile studios
NCsoft recently announced the acquisition of two domestic indie studios, NOVN and Dotomchi Games, for 800 million Korean Won (around 740,500 USD). These 2 indie studios focuses on mobile development, and have been around for some time despite not having any hit…
Xbox One – Head of Xbox Japan resigns over disastrous sales figures
[Source] In the wake of the Xbox One launch in Japan, head of Xbox Japan Takashi Sensui (middle, with microphone) has resigned from his post, Sensui, who took over as head in 2006, will be transferred to the company’s U.S.…
Perfect World – Income down due to falling number of Neverwinter players
Perfect World’s profits fell for 3Q, due in part to the performance of its operations in the US. In the latest financial report, during the three-month period ended Sep 30 2014, Perfect World reported ¥60.7 billion ($9.9 million) in net income…
Snail Games USA – CEO being sued for unfair dismissal and racism
[Source] David Runyan, who joined Snail Games USA in 2012 as its director of game operations, is suing CEO Shi Hai over claims of racism and unfair dismissal. He also claimed that Shi Hai is a “volatile individual who would often make…
World of Warcraft – Developer in potential legal case over panda design
While Blizzard Entertainment and its Chinese partner, NetEase, won a legal battle over the IP infringement of Hearthstone recently, it seems they are ready for another legal case with Snail Games. You see, Snail Games launched a new mobile game…
NCsoft – WildStar sales dropped by 43% while Lineage 1 grows stronger
NCsoft today released its quarterly financial records, and overall, the company did well in the 3rd quarter compared to the first 2 quarters of 2014. Total sales globally were up, with Aion and Lineage 1 the main contributors. Old is…
WildStar – Carbine Studios claims NCsoft is still supporting the game
[Source] With recent negative reports about Carbine Studios (here and here), the developer of WildStar talked to Eurogamer to put things on record, officially. While speaking to NCsoft West CEO a few weeks ago about WildStar’s future, the reply was…
Transformers Universe – Developer Jagex looking at possible layoffs
[Game website] Jagex, developer of browser classic RuneScape, recently acknowledged that layoffs will possibly hit the team behind Transformers Universe. The UK-based studio is currently in the consultation process with affected employees, and some will find new roles within the company.…
Hearthstone – Blizzard wins legal case against copycat game in China
While not many folks in the gaming industry have faith in China’s legal system when it comes to IP rights, they can be heartened to know that Blizzard Entertainment and publisher NetEase won a legal battle against a local developer…
Carbine Studios – Employees slam studio management on Glassdoor
Carbine Studios, a studio under NCsoft which recently fired 60 employees after WildStar’s launch, is back in the headlines. This time, it seems disgruntled employees, both currently working or left, have gone on Glassdoor to slam the management team, as…