Nexon (1994)
Pioneer of Free-to-Play Gaming and Architect of Virtual Microtransactions
Founded in 1994 by Kim Jung-ju and Jake Song in Seoul, Nexon is widely recognized as the inventor of the modern Free-to-Play (F2P) business model and virtual microtransactions. Through foundational franchises such as The Kingdom of the Winds, MapleStory, and Dungeon Fighter Online, Nexon built some of the highest-grossing entertainment properties on Earth.
Pioneering Graphical MMORPGs and the F2P Revolution
In 1996, Nexon launched The Kingdom of the Winds (Baram), recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest continuously operated graphical MMORPG. In 1999, through its casual title QuizQuiz, Nexon pioneered the commercial model of offering the core game free while monetizing cosmetic avatars and virtual goods—predating Western adoption by nearly a decade.
MapleStory, DFO, and Modern Multi-Billion Dollar Franchises
With 2003's side-scrolling phenomenon MapleStory and Neople's beat-'em-up MMORPG Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO)—which has generated over $22 billion in lifetime revenue across Asia—Nexon became an unmatched titan. In recent years, its indie sub-label Mintrocket earned universal acclaim for Dave the Diver (2023).