Nexon Reports Q2 2025-26 Earnings Amid Revenue Declines

Nexon has announced its earnings for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26, reporting results that exceeded expectations despite a notable decline in revenue, operating income, and net income compared to the previous year. The company highlighted that key franchises, particularly Maple Story and Dungeon & Fighter, continue to show revitalized momentum during this period.

For the second quarter, Nexon’s total revenue from its three major franchises—Dungeon & Fighter, Maple Story, and FC Online—decreased by 13% year-on-year. This decline was largely attributed to the anticipated downturn in Dungeon & Fighter Mobile, which launched in Q2 2024.

Key Performance Metrics

Nexon reported that the revenue from The First Descendant remained within expected parameters. The company anticipates a significant surge in revenue for the upcoming quarter, with the launch of Season 3 on August 7 projected to nearly triple its quarterly revenue. Conversely, the shooter The Finals outperformed expectations, driven by a successful June update that was well-received by players. The game also commenced closed alpha testing in China earlier this month.

Following a successful technical test in May, ARC Raiders is generating excitement, currently ranking third on Steam’s Top Wishlists chart globally. The game is set for release on October 30, 2025.

In terms of franchise performance, Dungeon & Fighter demonstrated a solid recovery in Q2, with revenue growth of approximately 67% year-on-year. Nevertheless, total franchise revenue experienced a substantial decline of 40% compared to the previous year, primarily due to the mobile launch in Q2 2024. Looking ahead, Nexon expects a further 45% drop in revenue for Q3; however, this may be mitigated by anticipated growth in PC sales.

Maple Story’s Continued Success

Maple Story has proven to be a standout performer, achieving a remarkable 60% growth in revenue year-on-year, driven by strong performance in Korea and the regional expansion of MapleStory Worlds. This positive momentum is expected to continue into the next quarter, with a forecasted growth of 70% year-on-year.

Nexon’s president and CEO, Junghun Lee, expressed optimism about the company’s performance. “Nexon delivered a highly positive performance with better-than-expected results in the second quarter. We have re-ignited growth in key titles, created momentum for recent launches, and successfully introduced new services to expand our presence in large markets worldwide. Excitement is building for the October 30 launch of ARC Raiders, which is currently ranked as Steam’s #3 Wishlisted game worldwide.”

As Nexon navigates the challenges of revenue declines, the company remains focused on leveraging its successful franchises and upcoming releases to bolster future growth and maintain its competitive edge in the gaming industry.