Major South Korean game companies reshuffled top management and key organisations in the first half of this year, moving in different ways but with similar aims. The changes seek to reduce reliance on a mobile massively multiplayer online role-playing game growth formula and shift business structures toward global markets, PC and console games, and in-house intellectual property. Nexon and Neowiz put development and global capabilities forward, Krafton reshaped publishing leadership, and Kakao Games and Wemade moved amid governance changes.

More South Korean games won approvals from the Chinese government in the first half of this year, lifting expectations they will contribute to earnings. China granted foreign game licences to seven Korea-linked titles from January to June, according to the National Press and Publication Administration. Companies are increasingly working with local partners such as Tencent rather than running services directly. Some recently launched Korean games have posted early results in China, though sustained performance will depend on live operations.