Nexon Hit With Layoffs

by

Nexon Hit With Layoffs

Key Takeaways

  • Nexon America is laying off workers to establish a “Western Development Group” under a new strategy, according to a report.
  • The company aims to hyperlocalize games for specific markets like North America and Europe.
  • Nexon has been looking to diversify its game portfolio.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, this news about Nexon laying off employees hits close to home. I’ve spent countless hours immersed in their games like Dave the Diver and The First Descendant, and it’s disheartening to see the people behind those worlds potentially affected by such changes.

It appears that the company known as Nexon, which creates games such as “Dave the Diver” and “The First Descendant,” is rumored to be planning job reductions at its U.S. branch. Based in Japan, this South Korean developer-publisher was founded way back in 1994.

Over the last several years, numerous job cuts across the gaming sector have significantly affected many individuals’ livelihoods. Not even industry giants like PlayStation have been immune to this ongoing trend of layoffs. Companies ranging from small-scale developers such as Surgent Studios to established players like Insomniac Games have felt the impact of tough economic circumstances and restructuring demands. The most recent casualty seems to be one of Nexon’s offices.

As a passionate admirer, I’ve learned that Nexon America is restructuring its workforce based on a report from Game Developer. This change, led by the creator of The First Descendant, aims to establish a “Western Development Group” under the guidance of company veteran Hanbyeol Oh, right here in Los Angeles, USA. Although the specific number of employees impacted remains undisclosed, a representative has indicated that this adjustment will mainly affect a modest group of staff members.

Nexon Lays Off Employees in its US Office as Part of New Strategy

According to the information provided, Nexon plans to focus on tailoring its offerings more specifically to players in significant regions like North America and Europe. This strategy is an essential component of CEO Junghun Lee’s long-term plan for expanding intellectual properties (IP), which involves nurturing both emerging and established franchises, including the prominent MapleStory series. During a recent gathering, they expressed their ambition for Nexon’s future, which seems to be centered around fostering “snowball growth.

In recent years, Nexon has expanded its collection of games significantly, from Dave the Diver in 2023 to The First Descendant in 2024. One notable move this year was Nexon acquiring Mintrocket, the studio behind Dave the Diver, to expedite game development. Additionally, plans for a reorganization of Nexon America and the establishment of local teams for key markets seem to align with the CEO’s long-term strategy, aiming to keep things dynamic and evolving.

Read More

2024-10-01 04:03