Nexon hopes to unlock Southeast Asian game market with iDCC purchase

Tokyo-based free-to-play giant Nexon has acquired Thai game publisher iDCC for an undisclosed fee. 

The move was made by Nexon Korea, which picked up an initial 49 percent stake in iDCC to become its largest shareholder. 

Nexon plans to acquire the remaining 51 percent equity stake once the deal has been approved by the Thai government. 

While iDDC is one of the most successful publishers in Thailand -- its action RPG, 12 Tails Online, is the most successful domestic PC online game in the region -- Nexon clearly sees the purchase as a way into the Southeast Asian games market. 

"Partnering with iDCC, which brings significant expertise in servicing games in Thailand, will enable Nexon to provide enhanced local user support for delivering our various mobile games to users in Thailand," said Nexon Korea president, Jiwon Park.

"With Thailand as our foundation, Nexon will continue to pursue business opportunities in the rapidly growing Southeast Asian mobile game market."

According to Newzoo data, Thailand currently represents over 20 percent of the Southeast Asian game market, which is expected to be worth over $2.2 billion in 2017.

Given Nexon's success in the East, it's not surprising to see the MapleStory publisher double down on the burgeoning market with its latest acquisition.