South Korean game developer NCSoft Corp. plans to spin off its artificial intelligence R&D and game development divisions into four separate subsidiaries, a strategic restructuring set for February 2025. This decision comes as the company seeks to bolster its global intellectual property portfolio amid challenging financial performance.
The new entities – NC AI, Studio X, Studio Y, and Studio Z – will focus on specialized areas of NCSoft’s business. NC AI, led by research head Lee Yeon-soo, will spearhead AI development for game applications. Studio X, helmed by Chief Business Officer Choi Moonyoung, will oversee the multiplayer game “Throne and Liberty,” which launched in October 2024.
Studio Y, under Vice President Bae Jae-hyun’s leadership, will concentrate on large language model technology for shooting games. Studio Z, directed by Seo Min-seok, will develop the new title “Tactan: Knights of the Gods.”
This reorganization follows NCSoft’s recent unveiling of its Varco language model and the earlier division of its software business. The company will seek shareholder approval for the spin-offs at a November 28 meeting. Alongside these changes, NCSoft is offering voluntary redundancies and relocating staff, signaling a comprehensive strategic shift in response to market pressures.
