NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO), a worldwide leader in online games, today announced its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexon America Inc. (“Nexon America”) has entered into an ongoing relationship with First Strike Games, a game studio formed last year to specialize in multiplayer experiences. Nexon has acquired the worldwide publishing and marketing rights to First Strike Games’ first title, an unannounced multiplayer online game.
“Partnering with First Strike Games is another example of our focus on and commitment to working with the best development talent in the Western market,” said Owen Mahoney, president and CEO, Nexon. “This partnership will leverage First Strike Games’ passion and unbeatable background in multiplayer games and our deep expertise in online services to build innovative games that appeal to global tastes and engage communities of players that will stand the test of time.”
Founded in 2016, First Strike Games is a new studio formed by industry vets with strong pedigree in AAA game development across a broad range of multiplayer genres and led by CEO Kevin Franklin whose over a decade of experience in the industry includes 343 Industries (Microsoft) and EA Blackbox.
“We are super focused on competitive multiplayer games at First Strike,” said Kevin Franklin, CEO, First Strike Games. “In Nexon, we found a partner who has truly understood the gameplay we are exploring, has embraced our company vision and has contributed great ideas and expertise. We are looking forward to making amazing games together.
First Strike Games joins a growing roster of renowned Western developers that have partnered with Nexon, including Cliff Bleszinski’s Boss Key Productions on its first title LawBreakers and Dallas Dickinson’s QC Games on its unannounced first title.
First Strike Games is currently entering full production on the new game by growing its team from 30 to over 50 developers. The yet unannounced title is expected to have broad appeal, with an E10+ rating, with more details to be announced later this year.