Home News Tencent in Talks to Acquire NEXON for $15 Billion

Tencent in Talks to Acquire NEXON for $15 Billion

Tencent is reportedly in early discussions with the family of the late Kim Jung-ju, the founder of South Korean gaming giant NEXON, about a potential $15 billion USD acquisition. According to Bloomberg, the negotiations focus on a controlling stake held by the Kim family via investment firm NXC Corp. With Tencent valued at over $600 billion, such a move is entirely within its reach and could be a game-changing industry event.

Deal Status Remains Uncertain

While interest is confirmed, talks are still in the early stages. The Kim family owns approximately 67% of NEXON, and they’re currently working with financial advisors to explore strategic options. No final structure or timeline has been established, and the deal is not guaranteed to go through.

Why NEXON Is a Big Deal

NEXON is far from a minor player. Founded in 1994, the company helped define the free-to-play online game model and relocated its HQ to Tokyo in 2005. Its most iconic games include MapleStory, Mabinogi, Vindictus, and especially Dungeon Fighter Online—a title that alone has brought in over $22 billion in revenue. Recent and upcoming releases include Dave the Diver, KartRider: Drift, The Finals, The First Descendant, and NAKWON: Last Paradise.

Tencent’s Long History of Acquisitions

Tencent is no stranger to massive gaming investments. The Chinese conglomerate owns or holds large stakes in Riot Games, Grinding Gear Games, Funcom, Sharkmob, Sumo Group, Leyou, and recently Arrowhead Studios, creators of Helldivers 2. Acquiring NEXON would solidify its already-dominant position in global gaming, particularly in the Asian market.

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Sai T.

Sai is a social media manager and senior web content creator who spends his days juggling game research, deadlines, and the usual existential crisis. When he isn’t crafting content that hopefully goes viral, he’s a dedicated single parent doing his best to navigate work life balance. And in the rare moments when free time actually appears, he’s usually found with his two dogs, who are fully convinced they’re the ones in charge.