Nexon announced a strategic relationship with Socialspiel, a Vienna-based social and mobile game development studio. (image credit: Socialspiel)
TOKYO, May 27 (Korea Bizwire) — NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO), a worldwide leader in free-to-play online games, announced a strategic relationship with Socialspiel Entertainment GmbH (“Socialspiel”), a Vienna-based social and mobile game development studio. Led by industry veterans Mike Borras and Helmut Hutterer, Socialspiel is a highly-acclaimed European game development studio focused on high-quality, character-driven free-to-play mobile and browser games.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nexon will make a cash equity investment in Socialspiel in exchange for a minority stake in the company and the nomination of a Director to Socialspiel’s Board. The agreement also provides Nexon with exclusive worldwide publishing rights for Socialspiel’s upcoming mobile and tablet titles, notably the 2015 release of an as yet untitled action RPG where players build a legacy of heroes and custom weaponry used to battle their way through randomized dungeons.
“This long-term strategic partnership combines Socialspiel’s experience and track record of developing unique, high-quality game play experiences for Western audiences with Nexon’s extensive free-to-play experience, global publishing platform and international user base,” said Owen Mahoney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexon. “This announcement marks yet another milestone in our strategy to grow our business in the West and we are excited to work with the talented Socialspiel team to bring exciting new AAA-quality titles to players around the world.”
Socialspiel was founded in 2010 by former teammates from Rockstar Games and Deep Silver. The Socialspiel team has established an outstanding reputation for itself including Tight Lines Fishing, winner of the Social Game of the Year at the 2011 German Game Developer Awards.
“Nexon pioneered the free-to-play business model over 15 years ago so they have the expertise and scale we were looking for in a strategic partner,” said Mike Borras, Chief Executive Officer of Socialspiel. “Additionally, Nexon shares our focus on developing differentiated, high-quality content, and we are look forward to working together to leverage their extensive free-to-play knowledge and international platform to bring our future titles to an even wider audience.”
The companies expect Socialspiel’s next title to launch in spring 2015.
About NEXON Co., Ltd.
NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO) is a worldwide leader in free-to-play online games. Founded in Korea in 1994, Nexon developed one of the world’s first graphics-based massively multiplayer online games. Nexon also pioneered the concept of microtransactions and the free-to-play business model, setting a new standard in which play is free, and users have the option to purchase in-game items to enhance their experience. Nexon currently services nearly 60 online games in more than 100 countries and since its founding, Nexon has generated more than 1.4 billion player registrations. The Company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and its shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
About Socialspiel Entertainment GmbH
Socialspiel Entertainment builds awesome mobile and tablet online games from our headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Founded in 2010 by industry veterans from Rockstar Games and Deep Silver, we create highly original games with high production value and engaging characters. Socialspiel is advised by Agnitio Capital.
Source: Socialspiel Entertainment GmbH
