Nexon's free-to-play success in Korea keeps earnings afloat

Free-to-play game giant Nexon saw slightly increased revenues and profits during the first quarter of this fiscal year, exceeding the company's original forecasts -- although this was partially down to a weaker than expected Japanese yen. Nexon's revenues were actually down year-over-year in Japan, North America, Europe and other regions, and approximately flat in China. It was growth in Korea that helped boost the company's quarter, with revenue growth of 44 percent in the region. It was Nexon's free-to-play games in Korea and China that did the business. FIFA Online 3 and Sudden Attack had strong sales, while five new mobile titles launched in Korea during the quarter. For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, Nexon posted revenues of 47.5 billion yen ($464.0 million), up 7 percent year-over-year, and profits of 16.1 billion yen ($157.8 million), up 7 percent year-over-year.