Nexon America's Q1 Revenues Up 59%

MapleStory publisher Nexon America reported a 59 percent year-over-year growth in revenues for the first quarter -- traditionally a slow period for the company. Though the privately-held firm did not provide a specific dollar figure for its sales during the January-to-March period, Nexon America attributed its success in overcoming seasonal declines this quarter to adding new content to its games, which resulted in increased player activity and sales. Nexon America specializes in free-to-play titles, such as MapleStory, which has attracted over 6 million users since launching in North America in 2005. The publisher's other games include Atlantica Online, Combat Arms, Vindictus, Dungeon Fighter Online, and Mabinogi. The Los Angeles-based company -- whose parent is headquartered in Seoul -- intends to launch a couple new free-to-play titles this summer, including Eyedentity Games' MMORPG Dragon Nest and Facebook game MapleStory Adventures -- Nexon America's first social release. "Our success is the result of our ability to deliver engaging content that our players find valuable, whether they are playing for free or purchasing items in our games," says Nexon America CEO Daniel Kim. "The substantial growth we are experiencing in North America is a reflection of how well Nexon is doing globally." Kim adds, "We are growing our traditional MMOG business as well as expanding into other platforms such as the mobile and social games, which will help to expand our global reach and the number of people playing our games."