NCSoft pivots from MMORPGs to diversify revenue, targets 5 trillion won by 2030
NCSoft, the South Korean game developer best known for its Lineage and other MMORPGs, is moving to reshape its business away from an MMORPG-centered structure. Co-CEO Park Byung-moo said at a management strategy briefing on the 12th that the company will pursue a fundamental makeover of its business model.
Park announced aggressive targets for 2030: 5 trillion won in annual revenue and a return on equity of 15%. The figures underscore a push to diversify beyond its traditional MMORPG core and to lift returns for shareholders.
The move follows a difficult year in 2024, when NCSoft posted its first annual net loss in the company’s history, attributed to an over-reliance on monetization approaches and weak performance of new titles. The leadership said the loss highlighted the need to diversify the pipeline and revenue sources.
The company outlined three pillars for turnaround: 1) elevation of legacy intellectual property, 2) acquisition and development of new IP, and 3) expansion into mobile casual gaming. In addition to strengthening core franchises such as Lineage and Aion, NCSoft plans to pursue new IP across genres, including shooting and subculture-themed titles, alongside its mobile casual offerings.
Looking ahead, Park said that starting in 2027 the company aims for mobile casual games and newly discovered IP titles to each account for more than 30% of revenue. The plan signals a deliberate shift toward a broader mix of platforms and genres.
For international readers, the development matters beyond Korea because NCSoft’s titles have global reach through Western publishers and platforms. A stronger emphasis on mobile and diversified IP could affect global competition in the online and mobile game markets, influence licensing and publishing strategies, and alter the pace of new game releases in the United States and Europe.
NCSoft is headquartered in Seoul and has a long history as a leading Korean MMORPG producer. Its pivot reflects a broader industry trend toward mobile-first strategies and IP diversification as players increasingly favor mobile experiences and cross-border IP franchises. The effectiveness of this strategy could influence not only NCSoft’s fortunes but also the broader balance of power among major global game developers and publishers.