The fund will target new gaming IP with global potential, next-generation live-service games and developers using AI to create new gaming experiences.
South Korea and Japan-based video game developer Nexon is launching an investment programme worth up to ₩250bn ($179m) in partnership with the Korean government and VC firm Kona Venture Partners to invest in gaming intellectual property and help emerging developers expand internationally.
The fund will target three areas: new gaming IP with global potential, next-generation live-service games supported by user-acquisition marketing, and developers using AI to create new gaming experiences. Fund recipients will not be required to enter publishing agreements with Nexon, allowing developers to retain operational independence while receiving capital and growth support.
The programme will give Nexon an early view of gaming IP and technology outside its existing development pipeline.
The centre of the investment programme is the ₩120bn ($86.7m) Kona Global IP Investment Fund which Nexon will establish with Kona Venture Partners through its new investment subsidiary, Nexon Partners. The fund will include ₩60bn ($43.3m) from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s intellectual property account under the government-backed Korea Fund of Funds.
Nexon plans to make larger investments as developers approach global launches, including around closed beta testing when additional capital is typically needed to scale.
The structure allows Nexon to combine its corporate investment activities with public-sector capital while reducing the constraints that can come with strategic investment. It also reflects the company’s stated priority of securing new IP and technologies before they reach later stages of development.
Oishani Mitra
Oishani Mitra is the content manager for Global Corporate Venturing.
