[THE INVESTOR] Line Corp., one of the world’s largest mobile messenger operators, said on July 10 that it has established game publishing affiliate Line Games in a bid to increase its foothold in the segment.

Utilizing its mobile messenger platform, which is highly popular in Asian nations, such as Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia, Line has rolled out a series of mobile games in the past. With the foundation of the game publisher, the mobile messenger operator, a subsidiary of internet giant Naver, can now put more weight on growing the game publishing business, the messenger firm said. 

NextFloor CEO Kim Min-kyu

Along with the launch of Line Games, the firm has also acquired a 51 percent stake in game developer NextFloor through the game publisher.

Founded in 2012, NextFloor has produced a range of popular mobile games, including “Destiny Child,” “DragonFlight,” and “Crystal Hearts.”

“Line has been stepping up its efforts to nurture the game platform since Nov, 2012 by working with in-house and outside developers and rolling out game content on its messenger platform,” said Line CEO Takeshi Idezawa in a press release.

“NextFloor’s capabilities for game development and business operation will become great assets for the growth of Line’s game business.”

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)