adminThe success of Arc Raiders has raised Nexon’s profile in Western gaming markets and prompted interest from developers seeking to understand its partnership with Embark Studios. Nexon CEO Junghun Lee says the company is open to working with more innovative studios in Europe and North America, while emphasizing that any expansion must be backed by a long-term commitment.
Image credit: Embark Studios
Nexon Western developers partnerships after Arc Raiders
Arc Raiders, Embark Studios’ extraction shooter, has sold more than 12.4 million copies since its October release. More than 2.4 million of those units were sold from the beginning of 2026. Nexon describes the game as its most successful global launch so far.
Lee says the game’s performance has increased Nexon’s visibility among Western audiences. The company has also heard from developers who want to learn how Embark and Nexon work together. That interest, he said, creates an opportunity for Nexon to build more relationships with Western teams.
For developers considering a partnership, the key point is that Nexon is not describing a strategy of investing in as many studios as possible. Lee says it prefers to choose teams selectively and provide meaningful support, with the aim of creating a relationship that benefits both sides.
Why Nexon says Western investment requires commitment
Working across regions can bring substantial differences in development expenses, including labor costs. Lee notes that these costs can vary significantly between Western markets and parts of Asia, making international investment a decision that requires careful planning.
Rather than spreading resources across numerous projects at once, Nexon intends to focus on selected studios and support them fully. For teams exploring publisher or investor partnerships, this approach highlights the importance of assessing both the funding available and the practical support a partner can provide over time.
Nexon’s view on AI in game development
Lee also discussed artificial intelligence, following earlier comments that AI use is becoming common across the games industry. He believes the technology can improve development efficiency, particularly for repetitive or routine tasks. Arc Raiders includes AI-generated voices, a detail that has contributed to wider discussion about AI’s role in game production.
At the same time, Lee says AI should not be treated as a reason to reduce the number of people making games. His position is that the technology can help teams work more efficiently while people remain central to the creative process. This distinction matters to players and developers weighing the potential benefits of AI against concerns about creative work and employment.
Player feedback remains important
Lee acknowledged that some members of the gaming community are resistant to the growing use of AI. He says companies need to take that response seriously because games depend on their audiences. For studios introducing AI tools, listening to players and communicating clearly about how those tools are used can help address concerns.
What Nexon’s strategy could mean for studios
Arc Raiders has given Nexon a prominent Western success, but the company’s comments point to selective partnerships rather than rapid expansion. Developers considering work with Nexon should look at the level of long-term support, regional cost differences and the publisher’s expectations for collaboration.
For now, Nexon remains open to working with more Western developers, while stressing that strong partnerships require commitment from both sides. The success of Arc Raiders may create new opportunities, but Nexon’s approach suggests that its next collaborations will be chosen carefully.
