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Copy URL “Building a Data-Driven Technology Platform-Centered Ecosystem”
2026.04.16 Press Release
NC Achieves AAA Rating in ‘2026 MSCI ESG Assessment’
Integrated core capabilities across development, publishing, data, and technology to build a mobile casual ecosystem
Strengthens distribution competitiveness in mobile casual games through a technology platform combining AI and data
Establishes a scalable growth foundation by acquiring global specialist developer Lihuhu, enabling tangible results
In talks for additional domestic and international studio acquisitions and publishing partnerships with a plan to announce a comprehensive roadmap in early 2026
NCSOFT is accelerating its global expansion into the mobile casual business as a new engine for growth.
To build mobile mobile casual business into one of its key growth pillars, NCSOFT has strategically prepared the business since the second half of 2024 with two objectives: 1) global portfolio diversification 2) strengthening competitiveness through AI technology and data-driven capabilities.
In August, following structured preparation, NCSOFT launched a dedicated organization, the Mobile Casual Center, for this initiative. NCSOFT appointed Anel Ceman, who has played a key role in the growth of multiple mobile-game unicorns including Tripledot Studios and Outfit7 (widely known for the Talking Tom IP), to lead the center.
NCSOFT subsequently formed a specialized team by bringing in experts across core functions such as data, technology, and LiveOps. This includes UA (User Acquisition) and data expert Anthony Pascale, who has built extensive experience across the global casual market, including Miniclip.
Driving a ‘Mobile Casual Ecosystem’ Strategy Through and AI and Data Based Tech Platform
NCSOFT is pursuing a cluster strategy designed to build a mobile casual ecosystem by integrating capabilities across development, publishing, data, and technology.
To support this, NCSOFT secured a perpetual license for Codebase software from a European company specializing in game data analytics and live operations platforms, establishing a foundational platform for key mobile casual growth functions including UA, LiveOps, and creative optimization. NCSOFT is further enhancing the platform using its AI and platform technologies.
The platform is designed to be immediately deployable by NCSOFT’s internal development studios, enabling stable, systematic operations. NCSOFT also acquired a Slovenia-based mobile casual studio to conduct a PoC (Proof of Concept) to validate both the technology and commercial potential of the platform, achieving positive results.
Advancing Global Mobile Casual Strategy Through Acquisitions: Lihuhu and Springcomes
Building on early progress, NCSOFT has pursued acquisitions of global specialist developers in parallel to drive scalable growth and realize economies of scale in the mobile casual business. As part of this initiative, NCSOFT announced the acquisition of Lihuhu via a regulatory disclosure on the 19th.
Under the transaction, NCSOFT will acquire a 67% stake in Indygo Group (a Singapore-based company that holds 100% ownership of Lihuhu), becoming the largest shareholder. The investment totals approximately USD 103.85 million (approximately KRW 153.4 billion). This acquisition marks a significant milestone in establishing the foundation for economies of scale in mobile casual and supporting NCSOFT’s broader global expansion.
Lihuhu is a Vietnam-based developer recognized for its ability to quickly identify global trends and enter the market with speed. Since its founding in 2017, the studio has maintained strong growth by rapidly launching around 100 titles across genres including Match-3D, Number, and Hole. For 2025, Lihuhu projects approximately KRW 120 billion in revenue, KRW 30 billion in operating profit, and KRW 20 billion in cash reserves. More than 80% of its revenue is generated in North America and Europe, reflecting a strong global user base.
NCSOFT is also acquiring Korea-based mobile casual studio Springcomes. Springcomes has established expertise in the Merge genre and is known for its rapid development ability, launching four to five new titles annually. For 2025, Springcomes projects approximately KRW 28 billion in revenue, more than doubling YoY. The studio has proven competitiveness through a robust lineup that includes four popular titles and more than 30 million cumulative downloads.
“In Discussions for Additional Acquisitions and Publishing Deals”, With a Roadmap Planned for Early 2026
Byungmoo Park, Co-CEO of NCSOFT, stated, “The acquisition of Lihuhu is highly meaningful in that it establishes a concrete growth foundation capable of generating visible performance in the global mobile casual market. We expect Lihuhu to serve as a hub for our casual development cluster in Asia.”
He added, “We are currently in discussions to acquire an additional large-scale mobile casual studio in Europe. Beyond acquisition-driven growth, we are also expanding into casual publishing by engaging with multiple globally competitive casual game studios. We plan to announce a comprehensive roadmap in early 2026.”
[Key mobile Titles by Lihuhu]
* Match Triple: Match-3D genre / Over 30 million cumulative downloads (released in 2020)
* Hole’em All: Hole genre / Over 10 million cumulative downloads (released in 2025)
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