글로벌 게임 뉴스 20선 — 넥슨·크래프톤 1조 원 돌파, AI가 흔드는 판도
On May 15, 2026, South Korea's gaming industry proved its structural transformation as Nexon and Krafton both crossed the 1 trillion won revenue threshold in Q1, while NCSoft achieved record PC game sales. Globally, AI is reshaping game development practices and accelerating layoffs at major studios. The American Gaming Association (AGA) released an optimistic industry forecast despite concerns about prediction markets, while Sensor Tower published a mobile game monetization trends report and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) began public consultation on an AI gaming charter.
Key Industry News
1. Nexon and Krafton Lock in Dual-Leader Position at 1 Trillion Won Q1 Revenue
Nexon and Krafton both seized the 1 trillion won revenue milestone in Q1 2026, cementing K-gaming's commanding market position. Major firms like Pearl Abyss and NCSoft also posted strong results driven by new releases and operational improvements.
2. NCSoft Posts Record PC Game Revenue on Aion 2 and Lineage Classic Momentum
NCSoft achieved record PC game revenue in Q1, powered by hits Aion 2 and Lineage Classic, delivering a dramatic turnaround that exceeded market expectations. Operating profit surged over 20 times year-over-year. The company signaled continued growth through Aion 2's global launch in the second half and new mobile titles.
3. Comtus Reports Q1 2026 Results and Reveals AAA Game Roadmap for Second Half
Comtus disclosed Q1 revenue of 144.7 billion won and operating profit of 5.1 billion won during a May 13 conference call. The company plans to launch AAA MMORPG Zeus: Pride of the Gods in Q3 and Doyuan Amguei in the second half, targeting year-over-year metric records.
4. AGA Releases Gaming Industry Outlook — Optimism Tempered by Prediction Market Concerns
The American Gaming Association (AGA) published a new gaming industry outlook report. While game executives remain optimistic about industry growth, they flagged concerns over prediction market involvement in sports contracts. The U.S. gaming industry hit a record 7.86 billion dollars in 2025 revenue.
5. MGA Launches Public Consultation on AI Gaming Charter
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) initiated public consultation on a draft "AI Gaming Charter" addressing ethical and responsible AI use in gaming. This proactive regulatory move comes as AI adoption accelerates across the industry.
6. AI Reshaping Global Game Development — Major Studios Cut Thousands in Restructuring
The global gaming industry is experiencing its largest workforce restructuring in years as AI adoption accelerates. Major studios are laying off thousands as AI replaces development roles. Experts note AI is automating routine tasks while forcing a redefinition of creative positions.
7. IndieCraft 2026 Closes with Record 417 Developer Entries
IndieCraft 2026, co-hosted by Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency and Korea Mobile Game Association, closed on May 11 with a record 417 applicants—the highest since 2019.
8. Xsolla Previews GamesBeat Summit 2026 Sessions on Market Myths and Studio Financing
Xsolla announced must-attend sessions at GamesBeat Summit 2026 covering "Debunking Global Market Myths" and "New Realities in Game Studio Financing." Xsolla executives will engage industry leaders as the gaming sector enters a recalibration phase following years of volatility.
New Releases and Updates
9. Netmarble Neo's Game of Thrones: King's Road — PC Launch May 14, Mobile Expansion May 21
Netmarble Neo's Game of Thrones: King's Road launches on PC May 14, expanding to mobile May 21. The multi-platform strategy leverages the franchise's brand power to capture domestic and global markets.
10. NCSoft Confirms Global Launch for Aion 2 in Second Half
NCSoft officially greenlighted a second-half global rollout for Aion 2, the standout driver of its record PC game revenue this quarter. The title is generating strong anticipation in overseas markets.
11. Solo Developer's Schedule 1 Surpasses 8 Million Units Sold
Indie title Schedule 1, created by a solo developer, crossed 8 million units sold. Similarly, Lethal Company (also solo-developed, generating 70+ million dollars net) achieved comparable success without marketing, highlighting the breakthrough potential for small studios.
12. Subnautica 2 CBT Scheduled for May 15
Subnautica 2, the sequel to the acclaimed survival exploration game, begins closed beta testing on May 15, alongside Azure Promilia CBT.
13. Top 100 Mobile Games Projected to Hit 53 Billion Dollars in 2025 Revenue — Hybrid Monetization Boom
Sensor Tower released its "2026 Mobile Game Monetization Trends Insight" report. The world's top 100 mobile games are forecast to generate 53 billion dollars in 2025, with 83% of top earners employing hybrid monetization strategies, including titles like Mabinogi Mobile.
14. Global Gaming Device Market Projected for 8.1% CAGR Through 2035
VynZ Research projects the global gaming device market will grow at 8.1% compound annual rate through 2035, driven by next-generation hardware advances and expanding digital entertainment ecosystems.
15. Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 Confirmed for June 29–30 — 10,000+ Attendees Expected
Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 is set for June 29–30, featuring 100+ speakers, three concurrent summits, and 10,000+ participants, reflecting Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global gaming hub.
Gaming Culture and Trends
16. South Korea Gaming Market Reaches 14.6 Billion Dollars — Reshaping Global Landscape
South Korea's gaming market hit 14.6 billion dollars in 2025, reshaping the global gaming order. Key drivers include the evolution of PC bang (internet café) culture, shifting publisher strategies targeting Korea, and Korean gamers' high expectations.
17. Nintendo Switch Price Hike May 25 — Parents Face Up to 60,000 Won Extra Cost Before Children's Day
Nintendo is raising prices across all Switch models and online subscription tiers starting May 25, sparking consumer backlash. The timing—just before South Korea's Children's Day—means some parents face up to 60,000 won in additional spending.
18. 2026 Gaming Trends: Digital Economies Redefine How Gamers Value In-Game Purchases
According to NoobFeed analysis, the expansion of gaming digital economies is fundamentally changing how players assess in-game purchase value in 2026. Blockchain-based ownership models—where assets persist even after console upgrades or server shutdowns—are spreading.
19. Cross-Play and Cross-Progression Now Industry Standard — Platform Boundaries Dissolving
By 2026, cross-play (platform-agnostic multiplayer) and cross-progression (device-to-device data sync) are now table stakes. Seamless switching between console, PC, and mobile with unified communities have become baseline player expectations.
20. BCG Report: 2026 Video Game Industry, Platform Convergence Lights Path to Next Growth Phase
Boston Consulting Group's "Video Game Report 2026" highlights accelerating platform convergence—console, mobile, and PC lines blurring—opening new opportunities for developers as the industry embraces this trend as its next growth catalyst.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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