Nexon reported on the 13th that its operating profit for the second quarter this year was 364.6 billion won, a decrease of 17% compared to the same period last year. Revenue for the same period totaled 1.1494 trillion won, down 3%.
It is interpreted that the decrease in revenue and operating profit in the second quarter this year is due to the base effect, as last year's second quarter recorded maximum performance driven by the success of 'Dungeon & Fighter Mobile' and the 'MapleStory' and 'FC' franchises.
For the first half of the year, Nexon achieved record-high semiannual revenue of 2.231 trillion won. The operating profit for the first half was 760.1 billion won, an increase of 7% compared to the same period last year. Despite a decline in revenue from 'Dungeon & Fighter Mobile' in China, strong performance from existing hits like 'MapleStory' and 'Mabinogi Mobile,' released in March, contributed to record-high semiannual results.
A Nexon official emphasized that, in the second quarter, the solid popularity of its three main PC games—'MapleStory,' 'Dungeon & Fighter,' and 'FC Online'—and the success of 'Mabinogi Mobile' and 'MapleStory World' both domestically and internationally contributed to revenue and operating profit surpassing the expectations of the securities industry. In particular, it was explained that 'MapleStory' and 'Dungeon & Fighter' maintained a recovery trend, achieving double-digit growth.
Nexon announced that the domestic revenue of its flagship title 'MapleStory' increased by 91% compared to the same period last year. In North America and Europe, revenue grew by 36% during the same period, aided by the 20th anniversary update and popular animation collaboration content.
'Dungeon & Fighter's' PC version achieved a 67% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, performing well in Korea and China. In Korea, the second quarter revenue increased by 132% compared to the same period last year, marking a record high for the quarter. In China, the number of returning users grew due to the Labor Day and 17th anniversary update effects, with user metrics in June reaching their highest level this year. Revenue also recorded a double-digit growth rate, exceeding expectations.
The new title 'Mabinogi Mobile,' launched in the Korean market in March this year, has contributed to revenue growth in the second quarter as it surpassed 1.95 million cumulative subscribers, mainly among teenagers and those in their twenties. 'FC Online' also saw increased user participation due to the effects of its 7th anniversary update, leading to increased revenue compared to last year.
Nexon has announced various new titles, including the PvPvE (player-versus-player, player-versus-environment) action game 'Ark Raiders,' which is set to launch on October 30. A mobile new title based on the MapleStory IP, 'Maple Growing,' is also expected to launch in the second half of the year. 'The Finals' has been undergoing closed alpha testing in China since the 8th and is rapidly preparing for its official launch in China.
In addition, various genres of new games such as the action RPG 'Vindictus: Defying Fate,' the zombie apocalypse survival game 'Paradise: Last Paradise,' and the action-adventure new game 'Wuchi the Wayfarer' from NEXON GAMES are under development.
Jeong Heon of Nexon Japan stated, 'In the second quarter, based on our strength in live operations, both MapleStory and Dungeon & Fighter showed a clear rebound, and our domestic and international new releases achieved results beyond expectations.' He added, 'As the re-emergence of our core titles is in full swing and we have secured new growth momentum, we will further solidify Nexon's presence in the global market through a strong IP lineup.'
Meanwhile, Nexon announced in February that it plans to buy back its own shares worth approximately 100 billion yen over the next year, completing the buyback of 50 billion yen (about 45 billion won) by the end of June. Of the remaining 50 billion yen, 25 billion yen is expected to be completed by the end of October, while the rest is planned to be bought back by February next year.