Netmarble is expanding its lineup of new game releases, but market attention is shifting from initial success to how long revenue can be sustained after launch. Several titles released from March to May did not generate enough results to offset marketing costs, highlighting operational staying power as a key variable for second-half earnings. The company posted first-quarter revenue of 651.7 billion won and operating profit of 53.1 billion won, missing market consensus on profit.

Netmarble said on Wednesday it posted first-quarter revenue of 651.7 billion won and operating profit of 53.1 billion won, up 4.5 percent and 6.8 percent from a year earlier. EBITDA rose 2.8 percent to 83.9 billion won and net profit jumped 163 percent to 210.9 billion won due to gains from asset sales. Overseas sales accounted for 79 percent of revenue. The company plans new releases in Asia this month and in June, and five new titles in the second half.