Netmarble's operating profit in the first half of this year increased by over 30% thanks to the success of new titles "RF Online Next" and "Seven Knights Reverse." In the second quarter, the performance was stagnant compared to the same period last year due to the base effect of the previously released "Solo Leveling: ARISE," but the operating profit exceeded market expectations.
According to financial information provider FnGuide on the 11th, Netmarble's operating profit for the second quarter (April to June) was 101.1 billion won, significantly surpassing the average forecast of 81.2 billion won from securities firms.
Cumulative sales for the first half of the year amounted to 1.3345 trillion won, reflecting a 1.9% decrease compared to the same period last year, but the operating profit rose to 150.8 billion won, a 31.2% increase.
A Netmarble official said, "The second-quarter results are the result of the stable performance of the hit titles in the first half, 'RF Online Next' and 'Seven Knights Reverse,' combined with the leverage effect due to expense structure improvement." Compared to the same period last year, revenue (-8.2%) and operating profit (-9.1%) decreased due to the base effect of the release of 'Solo Leveling: ARISE.'
In the last second quarter, overseas sales reached 473.7 billion won, accounting for 66% of the total. The revenue breakdown by country was 35% in North America, 34% in Korea, 12% in Europe, 7% in Southeast Asia, 6% in Japan, and 6% in others. By genre, RPG (role-playing game) showed strong performance at 42%.
Netmarble will introduce seven new titles in the second half of the year.
'The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin' is an open-world action RPG based on the popular anime 'The Seven Deadly Sins.' Following the success of 'The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross,' which recorded 70 million downloads globally since its release in 2019, this sequel is generating anticipation.
'Mon Girl: Star Dive' is an action RPG that reinterprets Netmarble's flagship intellectual property (IP) 'Monster Taming.' It targets subculture fans by enhancing character appeal and dynamic combat. Additionally, titles such as 'Vampire,' 'King of Fighters AFK,' 'Stone Age: Pet World,' and 'Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive' are also set for release in the second half of the year.
Netmarble has actively showcased new titles at major global game shows such as 'Gamescom' and 'Summer Game Fest' to secure market responses.
A Netmarble official noted, "In the first half of the year, we achieved growth centered on profitability through expense structure improvements and stable performances of key titles," and added, "In the second half of the year, we aim to accelerate our growth with major anticipated titles targeting the global market."