NEOWIZ announced on the 12th that its sales last year were 367 billion won, and its operating profit was 33.3 billion won, which is an increase of 0.4% and 5.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. The net loss for the period was 6.7 billion won, marking a return to the red.
In the fourth quarter, sales were 89.7 billion won, and operating profit was 7.2 billion won, representing a decrease of 18% and 52%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. The net loss was 27.3 billion won, which NEOWIZ explained was due to the impairment loss of goodwill from its subsidiaries.
Sales in the PC and console gaming institutional sector recorded 37.6 billion won, a 39% decrease compared to the same period last year. This was due to the fading effect of the launch of "Lie of P." However, NEOWIZ noted that it expects to expand sales this year with the upcoming release of "Lie of P" DLC (downloadable content). Additionally, "DJMAX RESPECT V" contributed positively to results with the release of its regular DLC "V Liberty 2." NEOWIZ stated that "DJMAX RESPECT V," which surpassed a cumulative sales volume of 6 million copies as of December last year, plans to continue generating steady results based on its strong fanbase.
Sales in the mobile gaming institutional sector increased 21% year-on-year to 43.2 billion won. This growth is interpreted as a response to the 1.5 anniversary event of "Brown Dust 2" last December, which received positive feedback from users. Compared to the same period last year, sales and active user numbers (AU) rose by 90% and 101%, respectively. However, there was a slight decrease compared to the previous quarter as the launch effect of "The Legend of Heroes: Kagawa Trilogy" faded.
Other revenues, including advertising and rental income, recorded a decrease of 26% year-on-year, amounting to 9 billion won.
This year, NEOWIZ will focus on expanding its PC and console lineup and securing new intellectual property (IP). The company plans to concentrate on discovering games with robust narratives and worldviews, aiming for the long-term goal of "IP franchising." Several new PC and console projects are currently underway, including "survival action adventure" and "life simulation" games centered around NEOWIZ's Round 8 Studio, starting with the DLC for "Lie of P."
Efforts to expand the IP pipeline through investment and sourcing will also continue. After investing in Polish game developers "Blank" and "Jakazane," NEOWIZ has also made investments in the American company "Wolfeye Studios" and is planning to both discover high-quality IP and leap into becoming a global publisher. To achieve this, NEOWIZ aims to strengthen its global capabilities by establishing bases in major overseas markets and reinforcing local personnel.
NEOWIZ also plans to focus on its loyal customer base and expand fandom. "Brown Dust 2" will continue to communicate through user-friendly operations, live broadcasts, and offline events. The company is focusing on localization and fan management by participating in events like the "Taiwan Gaming Show" and "Illust Star Fest" in January and February. Additionally, "DJMAX RESPECT V" plans to open its first pop-up store in Japan following its initial success in South Korea.