Kakao Games has wrapped up a restructuring of its business and, based on collaboration with its development subsidiaries, has moved in earnest to prepare for the launch of its next major titles. The strategy is to secure funds by shedding non-game asset and to build a game development-centered system to bolster competitiveness in its core business.
On the 11th, according to the game industry, Kakao Games has recently been focusing on developing new titles targeting a variety of genres and platforms in domestic and overseas game markets. While preparing a slate of blockbuster titles centered on Lionheart Studio and XLGAMES, it also plans to roll out, in sequence, new titles from Ocean Drive Studio, which aims at the global market, and Metabora, which handles the casual genre.
The company has been winding down some non-core subsidiaries under a policy of "selection and focus." It cleared its equity in the wireless communications solutions corporation Sena Technologies, the adtech corporation Neptune, and Kakao VX, which ran a golf business, securing about 400 billion won in cash. Through this, it has now built a business structure centered on game development studios.
Its key subsidiary Lionheart Studio is preparing a new title following the success of Odin: Valhalla Rising. It plans to release in the third quarter in Korea and Taiwan the MMORPG "OdinQ," which uses the same IP, and to unveil within the year the subculture training simulation game "Project C." OdinQ features a different universe from the original, Unreal Engine 5-based graphics, and a quarter-view, full-3D open world.
XLGAMES is focusing on a new title expanding its flagship IP ArcheAge. Building on the experience of the cross-platform mobile and PC MMORPG ArcheAge War, it is preparing the AAA title ArcheAge Chronicle for PC and console platforms. The game was unveiled at a global game event last year and drew attention for its graphics and combat direction.
Ocean Drive Studio is showcasing a diverse lineup ranging from indie-scale to large open-world games, leveraging development capabilities aimed at the global market. After targeting niche markets with indie titles, it is drawing global user interest with the medieval zombie survival simulator "God Save Birmingham."
Metabora handles casual game development along with its Blockchain business. It plans to launch in the first quarter the casual title "SMiniz," created in collaboration with SM Entertainment. The game combines fandom elements with a match-3 puzzle format and targets the global market.
Kakao Games plans to strengthen competitiveness by focusing on its core game business, leveraging the funds it has secured and the expertise of its development subsidiaries. A Kakao Games official said, "We are working with developers who have different strengths to prepare new titles across various platforms and genres," adding, "We will shore up our fundamentals to enhance our competitiveness as a game company."