Netmarble Corp. is betting on nostalgia with the upcoming release of “RF Online Next,” a revival of its 2004 multiplayer title that has already shown strong pre-launch momentum.
The South Korean game developer will launch the updated version on March 20, following a February showcase that attracted more than 23,000 concurrent viewers. Character reservations for the game were fully booked within three hours of opening on March 6, signaling robust player interest.
Netmarble has executed a comprehensive marketing campaign for the title, including a special “RF Truth Game” video on YouTube and a web novel called “Bad Born Blood” based on the game’s intellectual property. The novel has accumulated 3.55 million downloads with a 9.3/10 rating since its October 2023 debut, while its webtoon adaptation boasts an even higher 9.93 rating.
The revival aligns with Netmarble’s broader strategy of leveraging legacy IPs to strengthen its game portfolio.
In a separate development, the company is streamlining its leadership structure. At a March 7 board meeting, Netmarble decided to end its five-year dual-CEO system, with Kim Byung-gyu, who was appointed co-CEO in January, assuming sole leadership.
The leadership change comes after Netmarble returned to profitability in 2024, reporting operating profit of 215.6 billion won ($148 million) following two consecutive years of losses.
