Nexon Co. reported mixed third-quarter results as strong mobile game launches helped drive record sales while profits declined across all measures. The Tokyo-based company saw revenue climb 8.2% to ¥366.5 billion ($2.4 billion) even as net income fell 8.6% to ¥102.8 billion.
The company’s mobile expansion in China paid off with Dungeon&Fighter Mobile, launched in May, attracting new players while also bringing back dormant PC users. However, the PC version continues to struggle with economic balance issues that emerged last December.
Rising labor costs and impairment charges from a newly consolidated subsidiary weighed on operating profit, which dropped 3.3%. Foreign exchange losses, contrasting with gains in the previous year, further pressured the bottom line.
MapleStory’s performance was mixed, with international markets showing growth while Korean revenues declined following billing policy changes. The First Descendant, released in July, gained traction particularly in Western markets.
Looking ahead, Nexon expects full-year revenue between ¥450.3 billion and ¥461.2 billion, up 6.4% to 8.9%. CEO Lee Jeong-hong indicated the company will maintain investment in franchise expansion despite potential near-term performance impacts.
