A conflict is brewing in South Korea between rivals Nexon (Maple Story, Atlantica Online) and NCSoft (Guild Wars 2, WildStar).
In South Korea, there is trouble, as mmoculture reports. It has a bit of a Greek drama feel to it. The two heads of the software giants Nexon and NCSoft were formerly friends until their careers drove them in different directions.
In 2012, Nexon became a shareholder in NCSoft, acquiring 15% of the company, also to counter the pressure that companies like Riot Games (League of Legends) and Blizzard (StarCraft) suddenly exerted in Korea. Nexon remained quiet for three years and did not exert influence on NCSoft. That has now changed. Nexon wants to have a say in the management of NCSoft, apparently disappointed with the direction NCSoft is heading. The results are considered too weak.
NCSoft rejects this, stating that they have a different philosophy and such unilateral interference would lead to being less competitive in the market. As mmoculture reports, the Korean antitrust office (or its equivalent) is also watching Nexon closely.
Meanwhile, Nexon has made public what the “interference” is supposed to look like, as there is an open letter outlining the demands. NCSoft should collaborate more with other companies (including Nexon), involve shareholders and investors more, liquidate concrete assets, and disclose the compensations of certain managers when they exceed 500 million Korean Won (about 400,000 Euros).
This is probably what one would call a “power play” in such circles. It will be interesting to see how things develop.
Nexon has relatively few well-known “big MMOs” in the West; the more recognized are: Maple Story, Atlantica Online, Vindictus, and Dragon Nest.
NCSoft includes Guild Wars 2, WildStar, Lineage 1 and 2, or Blade and Soul.
