MapleStory, FC Online Soar; Nexon's Q3 Operating Profit Up 11% (Comprehensive)

Revenue and operating profit both beat market expectations
MapleStory and FC Online post record-high quarterly revenue

Nexon posted strong third-quarter results that exceeded its forecast, driven by solid performance from its flagship titles MapleStory and FC Online.

Nexon, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, said on November 10 that its consolidated operating profit for the third quarter of this year totaled 41.8 billion yen (approximately 371.8 billion won, based on an exchange rate of 889.7 won per 100 yen). This was an 11% increase from the same period last year. Revenue rose 17% to 138.4 billion yen (approximately 1.2312 trillion won), while net income edged down by less than 1% to 38.1 billion yen (approximately 339.3 billion won).

Nexon headquarters. Nexon

Nexon had initially forecast third-quarter operating profit of 22.6 billion to 32.3 billion yen, down 14% to 39.8% from the same period last year. However, it posted an "earnings surprise," beating its forecast in its third-quarter results announcement.

Strong third-quarter results also pushed Nexon's cumulative revenue for the first three quarters to a record high. Nexon's revenue and operating profit for the first three quarters totaled 411.7 billion yen (379.2 billion won) and 131.2 billion yen (approximately 1.2088 trillion won), respectively, based on an exchange rate of 921.1 won per 100 yen.

Its flagship titles MapleStory and FC Online both recorded their highest-ever quarterly revenue, driving the strong third-quarter results. Revenue from the MapleStory franchise rose 72% year over year in the third quarter, supported by growth in the original PC game in Korea and overseas, the global expansion of MapleStory Idle, and growth in MapleStory Worlds.

Revenue from MapleStory on PC in Korea rose 19% year over year, driven by the success of major summer and fall updates. Overseas, total revenue nearly doubled from the same period last year, boosted by the success of classic servers launched in China and Taiwan and new content, including collaborations with popular animated series in North America and Europe.

MapleStory Idle, an idle mobile game, performed well in Korea and overseas, supported by domestic updates reflecting player feedback and stable service in overseas markets. The sandbox-style platform MapleStory Worlds also contributed to franchise growth, with revenue doubling year over year, led by Korea and Taiwan.

FC Online's third-quarter revenue increased following gameplay-enhancing system updates and the success of new content. Average playtime per user reached a record high, and revenue across the franchise returned to double-digit growth.

In the third quarter, Nexon's revenue in Korea rose 17% year over year, while overseas revenue increased 16%. Nexon expects growth in the MapleStory franchise and FC Online to continue in the fourth quarter.

Nexon will release the MMORPG "Temppal: Overgeared" in Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau on November 26, and launch domestic service for the fantasy world RPG "Azur Promilia" on the same day. In the first half of 2027, it will launch the mobile idle RPG Dungeon & Fighter Idle globally.

Lee Jungheon, CEO of Nexon Japan, said, "In the third quarter, our key IPs delivered balanced results by improving gameplay and adding content, diversifying our revenue streams. Starting at the end of this year, we will expand our portfolio with a lineup of new titles and further enhance operations for our live-service titles to broaden the foundation for mid- to long-term growth."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.