Nexon Preparing KartRider For North America

Nexon America, the U.S. publishing arm of South Korean MMO developer and publisher Nexon Corporation (MapleStory), has launched a localized closed beta for 3D racing game KartRider in anticipation of its full North American release. KartRider marks the latest title from Nexon to be localized for the North American market since the company began its expansion in the region in 2005. In late 2006 the company announced a partnership with MTV Networks, who will promote Nexon’s games through its “TV and digital media properties”, including popular Asian online dance game Audition and MapleStory (plans for which were covered more in depth in a recent Gamasutra interview). According to Nexon America, KartRider, described as a "free-to-download, subscription free, online multiplayer racing-adventure game", has already been played by over 160 million players worldwide. As with all of Nexon's titles, the game is based on the business model of offering the game for free, and allowing players to purchase game enhancements and in-game items for a premium. Nexon America has made available a limited number of accounts for the game's beta, and those players who are interested should register on the KartRider website. The company plans to open up the game to a wider group of beta testers in the future, though no time line for this has been announced.