Domestic and Global Game Companies Gather as G-STAR 2025 Opens... Game Fans Flock to the Event [G-STAR 2025]

[Financial News] Korea's largest game show, 'G-STAR 2025,' now in its 21st year, kicked off on the 13th. Led by main sponsor NCSoft, domestic game companies rolled out a variety of events and unveiled new, unreleased titles targeting the global market, raising expectations. In addition, global and indie game companies actively participated, captivating the attention of game fans.
■ Kim Taek-jin of NCSoft: "Our Unique Identity Across Diverse Genres"
With the new MMORPG 'AION 2' set to be revealed on the 19th, NCSoft, serving as the main sponsor of G-STAR for the first time, set up a booth spanning 300 sections. Over 200 demo PCs were equipped with Nvidia's high-performance GPU, the GeForce RTX 5080. In addition to the demo area, NCSoft created immersive spaces such as the 'NC Cinema' and rest areas to engage with visitors.
On the opening day, Kim Taek-jin, co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of NCSoft, made a personal appearance at BEXCO in Haeundae-gu, Busan. During the opening session, CCO Kim stated, "We aim to shed new light on the essence of MMORPGs and create games with our own unique identity in shooting, action, and subculture genres." He added, "Since 1997, we have focused on making games where people can truly connect with one another, rather than just compete."
Kim's philosophy is reflected in a portfolio of five new titles spanning various genres, including AION 2, which inherits the legacy of the original AION, as well as Cinder City, Limit Zero Breakers, Time Takers, and Horizon Steel Frontiers. After recording its first-ever operating loss last year, NCSoft is now seeking a turnaround by diversifying beyond its traditional MMORPG focus.
At the venue, 'Horizon Steel Frontiers,' an MMORPG utilizing the Horizon IP from Guerrilla Games under Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), was unveiled for the first time. The game is scheduled for release in late 2026 or early 2027. On November 11, during the Q3 conference call, Bak Byeongmu, co-CEO of NCSoft, described it as a game that received a standing ovation internally, further raising anticipation. Horizon, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide, is a highly popular IP. Kim Taek-jin commented, "This game will showcase NCSoft's passion for creating a new breed of MMORPG."
■ Domestic Game Companies Launch a Wave of New Titles
In BTC Hall 1, where companies like Krafton, Netmarble, Webzen, and Gravity participated, long lines formed for game demos. Krafton centered its booth around 'Palworld Mobile,' a new title based on the Palworld IP from Japanese developer Pocketpair, and offered hands-on demos and events to immerse visitors in the game's universe. During G-STAR, the booth stage will host interactive events such as the Palworld Mobile Quiz Show, Pal Parade, and photo sessions. For the PUBG: Battlegrounds IP, stage events and a relaxation area called 'PUBG Cafe' were set up.
Netmarble showcased five highly anticipated titles: EvilBane, Solo Leveling: KARMA, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, MONGIL: STAR DIVE, and SOL: enchant. The company prepared 145 demo stations across 112 booths, collaborating with Samsung Electronics to feature the latest monitors and mobile devices. Notably, Netmarble operated an outdoor booth for the unreleased MMORPG SOL: enchant, welcoming visitors to experience the game's main content through media art displayed on a large screen.
Webzen also operated a 50-seat demo zone for its unreleased title 'Gate of Gates' and held various booth events. The company hosted a special event zone for families, linking its upcoming title 'Terbis' with its character brand WEBZEN FRIENDS. Gravity offered interactive programs where visitors could participate directly and win prizes on the spot.
■ Global and Indie Game Companies Gather in One Place
In BTC Hall 2, international and indie game companies set up booths. Blizzard Entertainment, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Sega Corporation, Atlus Co., Ltd., Unity, PLAION, and Warhorse Studios participated, elevating G-STAR's global profile. Returning to G-STAR after 12 years, Blizzard Entertainment exhibited 'Overwatch 2' and, considering the event's location in Busan, created a special 'Busan' map experience zone. The company also set up promotional areas for Overwatch esports and merchandise sales.
At the booth for Warhorse Studios' 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance II,' which released its final downloadable content (DLC) the previous day, Head of PR Tobias Stolz-Zwilling met with visitors in person. This marks Warhorse Studios' first participation in G-STAR. Released in April last year, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an action RPG set in the Middle Ages. Its historical accuracy and immersive gameplay have attracted global gaming enthusiasts.
Unity, a game engine developer, introduced 33 indie games based on Unity from 13 countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Ten domestic and twelve international indie developers attended the event, engaging directly with gamers.


[email protected] Joo Won-gyu Reporter