Gamescom 2023, 14 Dynamic Korean Game Developers to Take Center Stage

Gamescom 2023, the highly anticipated video game event, has kicked off in Germany. We bring exclusive coverage of the South Korean gaming contingent participating in the event. As reports suggest, the show will focus on the lineup of previously announced games, making it a must-watch for gaming enthusiasts.

Gamescom 2023 will be held from August 23 to 27, 2023 in Cologne, Germany. The event promises to be even more thrilling, featuring a lineup of previously announced games and captivating reveals. Among the many attendees, big names like Nintendo and Xbox are set to make their mark.

Following are the thirteen adept Korean game developers that are ready to leave their mark at Gamescom 2023. These creators, representing diverse backgrounds, aim to unveil their inventive projects, showcasing mastery in design, storytelling, and technical finesse.

Their presence promises a fusion of creativity, zeal, and advanced technology as they command the spotlight at the event. Gamescom 2023 is poised to reign as the paramount in-person gaming event this year, boasting a surge in exhibitors, developers, and publishers compared to last year.

Cologne, Germany, is the stage for this unprecedented gathering hosted by prominent industry leaders as Gamescom continues to push boundaries.

Company Name: Eggtart Inc.

Founded in: 2020

CEO: Jinman Park, South Korea

Headquarters: Incheon, South-Korea

Funding: Seed Roud Closed

Founded in 2020, Eggtart Inc. is a dynamic gaming company among 13 Korean game developers going to Gamescom 2023 with the game Metal Suit. The gaming company has swiftly gained recognition for its unique approach to game development. Under the leadership of CEO Jinman Park, Eggtart Inc. has secured an impressive funding history, beginning with a successful Seed round.

Jinman Park’s journey is marked by a distinguished career, boasting accomplishments like spearheading marketing at DeNA Seoul, overseeing the ‘Reservation TOP10 mobile game pre-reservation service at ADWAYS, and serving as the Director of Marketing at Buff Studio. Armed with experience and vision, Park now leads Eggtart Inc.

One of the company’s notable creations is METAL SUIT, a captivating side-scrolling run-and-gun game characterized by intricate pixel art. The game takes us to 4029, and the storyline revolves around Earthlings’ migration to ‘New Earth’ in a distant universe. However, their newfound home is usurped by the formidable ‘Golida’ alien race, setting the stage for a thrilling gaming experience.

Eggtart Inc.’s journey is about innovation, commitment, and an unwavering passion for gaming. The company is making swift strides in the gaming industry, capturing the hearts of players worldwide.

Company Name: NEWCORE

Founded in: 2020

CEO: Manjae Lee, South Korea 

Headquarters: Seoul, South-Korea

Funding: Pre-Series A funding

Established in 2020, NEWCORE has emerged as a pioneering force in the industry with their hit I Am Zombie. CEO Manjae Lee, a visionary leader with a profound passion for gaming, helms NEWCORE and one among the 13 Korean game developers joining the event. The gaming company is committed to pushing the boundaries of gaming innovation and is bringing their newly announced game to Gamescom 2023.

Lee’s leadership is marked by an unwavering dedication to crafting captivating experiences, drawing from his deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics. A testament to NEWCORE’s ingenuity is The Devil Within: Satgat, a 2.5D action-adventure platformer that has garnered attention for its compelling gameplay and captivating narrative.

Set in a world where darkness looms, and enigmatic forces stir, players take on the role of Kim Rip, a Royal Guard grappling with a gradual loss of humanity. The game immerses players in a tale that unravels the mysteries of the elusive Ebon Sting and the sudden emergence of demons.

As players navigate the desolate realm, they battle stylishly against formidable adversaries, creating an enthralling and immersive gaming experience.

NEWCORE’s commitment to innovation and unique narrative-driven approach set it apart in the gaming industry. The company’s dedication to delivering unparalleled gaming adventures continues to capture the imagination of players and enthusiasts alike, making NEWCORE a name to watch in interactive entertainment.

Company Name: Com2usROCA

Founded in: 2021

CEO: Hyunseung Shin, South Korea

Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South-Korea

Funding: Series A funding of $ 4.5 million

Hailing from the province of Gyeonggi-do, Com2usROCA emerged as a dynamic force in the South Korean gaming arena in 2021 will be visiting Gamescom 2023. CEO Hyunseung Shin, an industry veteran with a notable track record, is at the helm of this innovation-driven venture that has swiftly garnered Series A funding of $ 4.5 million.

Strategic investors like Com2us, AJU IB Investment, Daesung Venture Capital, and the Industrial Bank of Korea support the gaming entity. A trajectory of excellence marks the company’s CEO Hyunseung Shin’s journey.

With a career spanning from his role as a Producer at Action Square between 2012 and 2019 to his subsequent tenure as a Producer at Netmarble FNC, where he played an instrumental role in producing the acclaimed “Golden Bros,” Shin’s leadership echoes his deep-rooted commitment to gaming innovation.

At the heart of Com2usROCA’s accomplishments lies DARKSWORD: BATTLE ETERNITY, an original dark fantasy action RPG that thrusts players into a dynamic virtual realm. As a strategic VR game developer under the Com2us Corp. family, Com2usROCA crafted DARKSWORD to deliver a fast-paced, immersive VR hack-and-slash experience. The game developers will be among the 13 Korean game developers in Germany. 

With an array of customizable combat styles, players delve into the treacherous Twisted Corridors, battling enemies to break the curse of the Darksword. The game’s rich narrative intertwines seamlessly with its rogue-lite fashion, offering single-player story modes replete with waves of monsters, semi-bosses, and epic encounters.

Company Name: SKYWALK

Founded in: 2019

CEO: Daniel Koo, South Korea 

Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South-Korea

Funding: Not disclosed yet

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, SKYWALK is creating digital wonders under the able leadership of its CEO, Daniel Koo. A standout creation in SKYWALK’s arsenal is CUT THE ROPE: BLAST ready for Gamescom 2023, an official sequel to the iconic “CUT THE ROPE” puzzle game series, renowned for amassing over 1 billion downloads.

Although the funding details of the gaming company remain undisclosed, SKYWALK’s impact is palpable through its impressive portfolio. Under Daniel Koo’s visionary leadership, SKYWALK has emerged as a creative powerhouse dedicated to reshaping the gaming landscape.

CUT THE ROPE: BLAST is a testament to SKYWALK’s dedication to crafting games, and by leveraging its expertise, the company aims to set new benchmarks in interactive entertainment. This project, borne from a collaboration between SKYWALK and ZEPTOLAB, represents an audacious foray into the global premium puzzle game market.

The game showcases the company’s prowess in developing engaging and visually striking experiences that resonate with a diverse player base. As SKYWALK continues to innovate and expand its horizons, it stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the gaming sphere, fostering a legacy of creativity and engagement that resonates with players worldwide.

Company Name: OAA

Founded in: 2019

CEO: Yongchan Choi, South Korea 

Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South-Korea

Funding: Not disclosed yet

Founded in 2019, OAA is a gaming company headquartered in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea will enter Gamescom with their game PIGROMANCE. The indie game developer has swiftly asserted its presence in the industry, redefining interactive entertainment under its forward-thinking CEO Yongchan Choi.

With a compact team of five dedicated individuals, OAA embarked on a journey to craft engaging experiences that resonate with players. The game-developing company, better known for its game PIGROMANCE, is a testament to its innovative spirit.

This adventure, puzzle, and platform game takes players into a whimsical yet perilous sausage factory, where the quest for love intertwines with the challenge of survival. With gameplay set in an unconventional backdrop, OAA demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

OAA has partnered with Gravity Games, a prominent player in the Korean gaming scene, for a global publishing contract for PIGROMANCE. Gravity, listed on NASDAQ and recognized for its influential MMORPG Ragnarok Online, is a dynamic force in the industry, propelling OAA’s endeavors toward new heights.

OAA has embarked on an OSMU strategy, leveraging the robust Pigromance IP to encompass various mediums, including fairy tale books and merchandise. With sights set on becoming a pivotal player like Disney, CEO Yongchan Choi envisions OAA’s growth by solidifying Pigromance’s legacy.

Company Name: Challengers Game

Founded in: 2022

CEO: Tamura Koji, Japan  

Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South-Korea

Funding: Pre Series-A

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Challengers Game, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is headed by Japanese CEO Tamura Koji, a distinguished figure known for his remarkable industry journey. Founded in 2022, the game-developing company is a beacon of innovation.

Tamura Koji’s illustrious career path is marked by influential roles at esteemed gaming entities, from NHN PlayArt and YD Online to Bluehole and Nimble Neuron. This wealth of experience culminated in his current role as CEO at Challengers Games, where he continues to shape the company’s trajectory with his unique insights.

At the heart of Challengers Games’ portfolio is the game SECOND WAVE, an FPS/TPS MOBA that seamlessly blends diverse cultures with an anime-inspired cartoon rendering art style.

Designed to span across PC, console, and mobile platforms, SECOND WAVE paints a gripping narrative of conflict surrounding the “Arcane Stone,” a catalyst for technological progress in the realm of Armantia. This game weaves a captivating tapestry of beautiful environments, compelling characters, and exhilarating melee and ranged action.

Challengers Games achieved significant milestones, engaging 4,000 players in its alpha test, a testament to its appeal. Bolstered by a recent Pre Series-A round of investment, including a substantial contribution from Knet-CRIT Content Investment Partner, Challengers Games continues to redefine the future of gaming. The company’s total investment has now surged to 7 billion Korean won, underscoring its reputation as an industry contender.

Company Name: BLENS

Founded in: NA

CEO:  Seokhyun Kim, South Korea 

Headquarters: Seoul, South-Korea

Funding: Pre Series-A

BLENS stands at the forefront of VR game development, led by CEO Seokhyun Kim. Their latest creation, OctoRaid VR, launched in July 2023, is a promising game for all, from VR newcomers to experienced players to be experienced at Gamescom 2023.

OctoRaid VR exemplifies BLENS’ dedication to innovation, uniting virtual reality with cross-platform play. The game enables up to five players to connect through VR devices, PCs, or mobiles for an exhilarating collective gaming experience.

In the game, players assume roles as Octo characters or Hunters in an asymmetrical battle for supremacy. VR users become towering Octo, wielding prop-flinging attacks and life-sharing strategies. In contrast, those on PCs or mobiles become diver Hunters with dash and grappling hook mechanics, seeking to drain Octo’s strength.

BLENS’ commitment to inclusive and thrilling gaming experiences shines through OctoRaid VR. Under Seokhyun Kim’s leadership, the studio is a pioneer in redefining party gaming, embracing innovation while crafting engaging adventures that transcend traditional boundaries.

Company Name: OddOneGames

Founded in: 2016

CEO: Youngchae Kim, South Korea

Headquarters: Seoul, South-Korea

Funding: Backed by Investors

Established in Seoul, South Korea 2016, OddOneGames is a game development company with CEO Youngchae Kim at the helm. The studio combines innovation with a rich gaming background to create engaging experiences. Backed by K NET Venture Capital and Big Basin Capital, the studio’s growth is fortified by strategic investments.

Youngchae Kim’s journey boasts impressive engineering roles, including Softon Entertainment and Nexon. His foundation led to the birth of OddOneGames in 2013, showcasing his commitment to crafting exceptional gaming experiences.

Central to OddOneGames’ portfolio is Arcade Party, an electrifying co-op party game designed for up to four players. This title transports players into a realm of shared enjoyment, offering a collection of over 20 mini-games inspired by classic arcade experiences.

With local and online multiplayer support, players dive into a world where they can personalize characters and arcades with various costumes and collectibles. Arcade Party’s success resonates through its remarkable 94 percent Positive Early Access rating on Steam and over 10,000 hearts from players.

Company Name: Pixelity

Founded in: 2017

CEO: Paul Lee, South Korea 

Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South-Korea

Funding: NA

Founded in 2017, Pixelity is leading the new digital frontier to provide content for VR gaming. Under the leadership of CEO Paul Lee, the company brings forth an innovative range of VR that resonates with players worldwide.

With nearly two decades of expertise in the digital entertainment realm, including stints at NEXON Korea and Netmarble Monster, Lee’s influence shapes Pixelity Games’ trajectory.

In its attempt to shift gamers’ perception towards VR by addressing the problem of lack of content and replayability, Pixelity introduced The Patcher, a captivating multiplayer VR action game. At its core, The Patcher offers a co-op shooter experience with progression systems and intuitive controls that encourage repeated gameplay and foster high retention rates.

The game is built on Unreal Engine 4 and showcases compatibility across various platforms, including standalone devices and PCVR systems. With support for up to eight players, The Patcher boasts three diverse game modes to keep players engrossed.

One of The Patcher’s distinct features is its faction system, allowing players to align themselves with the ‘Junkmol’ or ‘Skymagg’ faction. This choice imbues the gameplay with depth and excitement as players embark on thrilling journeys as Patchers.

Company Name: MUMO Studio

Founded in: 2019

CEO: Gihoon Choi, South Korea 

Headquarters: Seoul, South-Korea

Funding: $ 3.75 million

MUMO Studio is a South Korean game development company founded in 2019 by Gihoon Choi, focusing on creating high-quality multiplayer, adventure, indie, strategy, and survival games. The company has successfully raised $ 3.75 million, with investments from notable entities such as Korea Investment Partners and Laguna Investment.

Led by CEO Gihoon Choi, MUMO Studio has a track record of producing popular games like “Boxing Star,” “Champion for Kakao,” “Punch Hero,” “S4 League,” and “RYL Online.” The company is associated with several gaming entities, including 4:33, Coco Soft, Neowiz, and Gama Soft.

One of the standout achievements of Mumo Studio is the development of their flagship game, “Dubium,” a survival deception game designed to cater to the global gaming community. The competition aims to capitalize on the game streaming market by offering content optimized for this platform.

“Dubium” has garnered significant attention and recognition, receiving a 2022 Epic Unreal Megagrant Award and exclusive coverage on platforms like IGN and TheGamer. Its unique concept and high-quality gameplay have positioned it as a potential AAA title in the gaming industry.

Company Name: Reality magiQ

Founded in: 2016

CEO: Sungkyun Kim, South Korea 

Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South-Korea

Funding: Backed by investors

Reality magiQ, a South Korean gaming company founded in 2016, has carved its niche in the industry with its ambitious project, ‘Dysterra.’ The company, backed by investments from STIC Ventures, Kakaogames, and DragonFLY, is headed by Sungkyun Kim, an accomplished figure with a background in computer science and business administration.

Kim’s previous roles at prominent companies like Innospark, Blueside, and WEBZEN have contributed to his extensive experience in the gaming domain.

‘Dysterra,’ their flagship venture, has been making waves since its Early Access debut on Steam in November 2022. The game’s immersive universe offers a variety of gameplay modes, including Single Player, PvP Servers, PvE Multiplayer Servers, and Custom Servers.

The project has maintained a strong connection with its user base, consistently incorporating feedback to enhance the gaming experience. The recent release of Season 4 in August 2023 marked a significant milestone, with the update resulting in a remarkable 30 percent increase in playtime and substantial improvements in player statistics.

Anticipation is building as ‘Dysterra’ gears up for its official Steam release slated for the second half 2023. Reality magiQ has been recognized for its achievements, winning the Seoul VR Expo Game Content Category Award in May 2019, the Seoul VR Expo Best Game Award in April 2018, and the VR Expo Best Graphics Award in March 2017.

Company Name: STOIC Entertainment

Founded in: 2014

CEO: Yoonhwa Choi and Hongseok Kim, South Korea (Linkedin Missing)

Headquarters: Seoul, South-Korea

Funding: $ 7.4 million

South Korean gaming company STOIC Entertainment, founded in 2014, has been making waves in the industry with its impressive track record and innovative projects. Co-founded by Yoonhwa Choi and Hongseok Kim, the company has garnered recognition and awards for its gaming and VR/AR sector contributions.

One of STOIC’s remarkable endeavors is the VR game “World War Toons: Tank Arena,” launched on the Meta Quest store that will be showcased at Gamescom, 2023. This Korean-developed game provides players with a casual VR tank experience, featuring unique abilities and weapons for tanks in 4vs4 multiplayer battles.

The game’s official release in December 2022 garnered positive reception, with regular updates and seasonal events keeping players engaged.

STOIC’s impact extends beyond gaming. The company has secured 36 global patents for development and collaborated with Hyundai Motors to release the “Planet Hyundai” app, which featured a multi-racing game utilizing the IONIQ 6 automobile. This venture drew over 850,000 users in just three weeks.

STOIC’s substantial funding validates its success story, totaling $ 7.4 million. Investments from notable sources like KN Investment, SK Telecom Infinitum Game Fund, and Naver LINE Studio underscore the company’s potential and vision.

Company Name: NUSOFT

Founded in: 2018

CEO: Youngkwan Kim

Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South-Korea

Funding: NA

Founded in April 2018, NUSOFT, a mobile game developer dedicated to crafting unforgettable gaming experiences, has emerged as a notable player in the industry. For Gamescom 2023, NUSOFT is banking on its turn-based RPG Dragon Slayer.

Led by Youngkwan Kim, their diverse portfolio spans RPGs, action-packed adventures, social games, and more designed to engage players of all ages and backgrounds. With a mission to spread joy and excitement worldwide, NUSOFT strives to create exceptional games that resonate with a global audience.

Significant milestones have marked NUSOFT’s journey. Notably, they received SW High Growth Club 200 support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for consecutive years. Recognition also poured in, with awards like the Excellence Award at the Seongnam Startup Competition and an Outstanding Award at the domestic IR Demo Day of the 2020 Korea Creative Content Agency’s Second Chance Program.

Among NUSOFT’s standout creations is Dragon Slayer, a meticulously designed game tailored for enthusiasts of collectible turn-based RPGs. With a constant evolution of events featuring fresh concepts, the game offers an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.

Boasting a roster of over 350 heroes, players can compete against others, strategically combining skills and unleashing unique team formations. As NUSOFT continues to shape the gaming landscape, “Dragon Slayer” is a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Company Name: SOULGAMES

Founded in: 2013

CEO: TaeDoo Um, South Korea

Headquarters: Gyeonggi-do, South-Korea

Funding: NA

Soulgames founded in 2013 will make a significant impact at Gamescom 2023. Led by CEO TaeDoo Um, the company has been pushing the boundaries of game development, focusing on delivering captivating experiences to players around the world.

One of their notable achievements is Luna Mobile, a captivating MMORPG that has captured the hearts of gamers across Thailand, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This emotion-based MMORPG boasts charming and cute characters, offering players a rich and differentiated character avatar appearance and growth system. With over 300 costumes, various pets, vehicles, and equipment upgrade options, players can personalize their characters to suit their playstyle.

Featuring an open world with over 50 wide maps, Luna Mobile offers diverse life content experiences such as gathering, mining, fishing, and cooking. The game’s active community sets it apart, with a party, guild, guild union, and family system that supports various interactions between players. The seamless world chat adds to the immersive experience.

Raderz Mobile is another exciting venture from Soulgames. An MMORPG that revolves around a guild-centered occupation RVR on the planet Ballyx, Raderz Mobile offers players the opportunity to change classes and use skills freely. With dungeon system attacks, super large raid monsters, and various action skills, players can acquire skills and increase their abilities through additional skill books, irrespective of class.

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