KRAFTON surpassed 1 trillion won in operating profit for the first time last year, thanks to the continued growth of the 'Battlegrounds' (PUBG) series.
On the 11th, KRAFTON announced that its consolidated operating profit last year was 1.1825 trillion won, a 54% increase compared to the previous year. During the same period, sales rose by 41.8% to 2.7098 trillion won, and net profit increased by 119.3% to 1.3026 trillion won. The operating profit margin recorded 43.6%.
Annual operating expenses increased by 20.9% to 1.5273 trillion won. Major expenses included labor costs of 516.8 billion won (up 20.9%), app fees and cost of goods sold of 349.3 billion won, commission fees of 316.1 billion won, stock-based compensation of 102.4 billion won, and marketing expenses of 101.4 billion won.
Operating profit in the fourth quarter was 215.5 billion won, a 31.1% increase compared to the same period last year, while sales and net profit were recorded at 617.6 billion won and 491.2 billion won, respectively.
KRAFTON explained that it grew through continuous updates and enhanced premium content after making the PUBG PC version free. The mobile version also showed improved performance compared to the previous year, with traffic and sales for 'Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)' launched in the Indian market reaching new highs.
Currently, KRAFTON is developing four new titles utilizing the PUBG intellectual property (IP). These are the extraction shooter 'Black Budget,' top-down strategy shooting game 'Blindspot,' console battle royale game 'Valor,' and a mobile hybrid casual game with an undecided project name.
Additionally, KRAFTON plans to expand production and publishing to secure next-generation game franchise IPs and enhance its management system.
New titles set to be released after 2025 include the life simulation game 'inZOI,' scheduled for launch in March, the mobile extraction game 'Dark and Darker Mobile,' the marine survival adventure game 'Subnautica 2' currently being developed by overseas subsidiary Unknown Worlds, and the life simulation 'Dinkum Together' produced by domestic studio 5min Lab.
KRAFTON stated, "We will achieve medium- to long-term growth through proactive investment to secure large franchise IPs," adding, "Our goal is to reach 7 trillion won in total revenue and double our corporate value within the next five years."