How Korean Game Developers are partnering with Layer-1 for Blockchain Gaming
An overview of the major Players and its blockchain partnerships
The Korean game industry is known for its sensitivity to trends and fast-paced innovation style (bbali~bbali, meaning faster and faster). Driven by a strong desire to lead the global market and be at the forefront of innovation, Korean game developers have been quick to embrace new technologies and are always looking for ways to expand their reach. In 2022, major AAA game companies such as Nexon, Netmarble, NC, Krafton, and Kakao Games announced their entry into the blockchain gaming industry.
Nexon is making bold moves in the blockchain gaming industry, rumored to be at the final stage of selecting Layer-1 for MapleStory Universe. The company plans to invest "Maple Story” IP, which has been globally popular for over a decade, into the blockchain market, and is rumored to be considering Polygon and Klaytn.
NC, known for its MMORPG games, is making stealthy moves in the blockchain game industry. NC has adopted a wait-and-see strategy for NFT, which will only be introduced in the limited capacity of the "Lineage" series set to be released in the second half of the year. With its strong reputation and expertise in the in-game economy, NC is considered one of the most anticipated players in the blockchain gaming market with a traditional viewpoint.
Netmarble is taking a more practical approach, concurrently promoting Marblex, Oasys, and other Layer-1s. With the founder's strong determination, Netmarble is investing in multiple Layer-1s and moving in a direction that is not focused on one place, making it a more practical player in the blockchain gaming industry.
Krafton has announced collaboration with Solana and NFT, though it remains to be seen how this will progress. The company surprised many by making a radical announcement at a time when other major game companies were more cautious in announcing partnerships and reviewing their options. Unfortunately, Solana's crash in the second half of 2022 also resulted in the announcement being forgotten.
Kakao Games is focusing on Bora, which is taking Klaytn and Polygon in a multi-chain format. Bora is at the center of Kakao Group's game strategy, making it a notable player in the blockchain gaming industry. Kakao's rich blockchain ecosystem with Klaytn, Krust, Ground X solidifies the thesis.
Wemade is the leading player in the Korean blockchain gaming industry, known for doing it the longest, and observing all the know-hows during its ups and downs. Recently, the company announced to recruit over 100< blockchain games on Wemix platform. The company is learning through empirical experiment verticalizing its blockchain platform such as its own Layer-1, Layer-2, DAO, Wallet, and Defi. It is also the creator of one of the most popular (or was popular) blockchain games, "Mir 4."
Neowiz is pursuing a multi-chain strategy with Neoply based on Klaytn and Intella x based on Polygon. Recently, the company has set up entities in Dubai, giving the impression that they are serious about the blockchain games market.
Com2us, unfortunately, emerged as the first case to choose the wrong Layer-1 due to the collapse of Tera & Luna in 2022. However, it later withdrew and started its own Layer-1 based on Cosmos tendermint engine and recently started the revamp. Com2us America, headquartered in California, United States, is thought to be actively involved in its strategy.
Finally, Npixel is a representative case of Aptos, where investment and Layer-1 selection are simultaneously made. There is great anticipation for how this will turn out, as the practical use cases of Aptos are not proven.
