Following the success of Arc Raiders, Nexon is considering collaborations with additional Western developers
Nexon, a leading company in the Asian gaming sector, is considering increased collaborations with Western developers following the tremendous success of Arc Raiders.
In a discussion with Game File, CEO Junghun Lee expressed a strong interest in partnering more extensively with developers from Europe and America. This interest has grown significantly post-release, with Arc Raiders selling over 12.4 million copies since its launch in October, including over 2.4 million units in early 2026. Recognized as Nexon’s most successful international release, this game has broadened Nexon's presence in Western markets.
“We’ve gained much greater visibility within the Western gaming community,” Lee commented. “There’s noticeable interest from various developers eager to learn about our collaboration with Embark Studios. We are excited about opportunities to engage with innovative developers in the West.”
Game File noted the trend of Asian corporations, like Tencent and NetEase, making significant moves into North American and European markets only to later pull back. Lee pointed out that Asian companies must remain committed to Western expansions, especially considering the disparity in labor costs.
“Investments in the West as an Asian firm require a substantial commitment due to rising costs, particularly labor expenses, which differ vastly from those in Asia,” Lee explained. He emphasized the importance of focusing on select partnerships and fully supporting these teams to foster mutually advantageous relationships.
Lee also touched on his earlier remarks regarding artificial intelligence following Arc Raiders' triumph. The game incorporated AI technology, including AI-generated voices, sparking industry conversations. Lee had previously stated the assumption that all gaming companies are employing AI.
Affirming his stance, Lee believes AI enhances development processes but maintains that human input remains crucial, resonating with similar sentiments from Embark's Patrick Söderlund.
Lee stated, “AI advancements can lead to greater development efficiencies but do not imply reducing human roles in game creation. While AI can handle repetitive tasks, human creativity remains vital.”
Addressing the gaming community’s concerns about AI, Lee acknowledged the visible resistance towards integrating AI into gaming. He stressed the importance of gamer feedback, saying, “Without users, there are no games. Listening to and considering their voices is paramount.”