Tencent has denied reports suggesting it is interested in acquiring Nexon

Update, June 18, 2025: A representative from Tencent contacted GamesIndustry.biz to share a statement via Reuters, denying the accuracy of the acquisition report.

Original story, June 17, 2025: There are reports suggesting that Tencent is exploring the possibility of purchasing Nexon.

The major Chinese corporation, which recently entered into an agreement with Ubisoft through a $1.25 billion investment, has supposedly reached out to Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju's family to discuss a potential acquisition. Nexon is reportedly valued at approximately $15 billion.

Bloomberg has indicated that Kim’s family is deliberating and meeting with advisers while exploring available options. Insiders suggest that Tencent seeks franchises with long-term engagement and solid earnings potential.

Currently, neither Tencent nor Nexon has publicly addressed these acquisition discussions.

Alongside its recent partnership with Ubisoft, Tencent recently expanded its investment in Kadokawa, the parent firm of FromSoftware. Additionally, Tencent acquired larger stakes in Kuro Games, Wangyuan Shengtang, known for the Swords of Legends series in China, and extended a €15 million loan to Remedy Entertainment, creators of Alan Wake 2.

Recently, Tencent was victorious in an intellectual property lawsuit against Xiaopang Commentary, who was found guilty of leaking content from Peacekeeper Elite, which is the localized version of PUBG Mobile in China.