NCsoft Challenges Nexon by Acquiring Punch Monster‘s Developer?

NCsoft Challenges Nexon by Acquiring Punch Monster‘s Developer?

The Korea-based NCsoft has recently announced to acquire the casual game development company - NextPlay and gain 65% stake.

Founded in 2003, NextPlay mainly consists of the former developers of Crazy Arcade, a famous casual game. NextPlay's first casual project Punch Monster, whose operation rights were gained by NCsoft in 2007, used to make a great stir. With view to the background of its developers, Punch Monster was once regarded as the successor of Maple Story, arousing the players' attention. Through acquiring NextPlay, NCsoft which is well known for Lineage will greatly enhance its power in the casual game field. Lee Jae Sung, NCsoft's corporate relations director hoped that the acquisition would help NCsoft expand its business scope from MMORPGs to casual games.

Nexon, a casual game tycoon famous for Crazy Arcade, Kart Rider and Maple Story worldwide, is working on the development of Maple Story 2, with the sequels to Crazy Arcade being prepared as well. The company doesn't neglect the MMORPG field too, whose Mabinogi andVindictus do attract much attention. In face of Nexon's all-round development, how can NCsoft stand still?

 About Punch Monster

Punch Monster is a side-scrolling casual MMORPG developed by NEXTPLAY fit for minors. It has the following basic features: animation style 2D graphics incorporating 3D technology, battles requiring the combination of action and strategy, monsters with personalized appearance and different motion modes, and the story is developed through quests and missions.