[Edaily Reporter An Yu-ri ] Netmarble Corporation(251270)is set to participate in the Tokyo Game Show (TGS 2026) this September as it sets out to expand into the Japanese market. The company will unveil three new titles tailored to Japanese users’ preferences, ranging from popular original IPs (intellectual property) that have gained high recognition locally to proprietary IPs targeting the local subculture audience.

Netmarble Corporation’s entries for this year’s TGS include the tag-switching combat RPG “Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Strongest Species,” the roguelike action RPG “I’m the Only One Leveling Up: Karma,” and the romance-focused subculture collectible RPG “Pearl in Blue.”

The strategy is to target a broad base of Japanese users through titles that each possess distinct strengths, such as the popularity of the source material, action-packed gameplay, and character interaction.

First, “Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Strongest” is a tag-swap combat RPG based on the web novel IP of the same name, which has recorded 1 billion cumulative views in Japan and surpassed 17 million copies in cumulative comic book sales.

It features simple, one-handed controls and strategic combat that involves exploiting enemy weaknesses. Players can switch characters and build decks according to the battle situation to experience the various battles from the original work.

Netmarble Corporation focused on faithfully recreating the original work’s world, characters, and key scenes within the game. At this year’s TGS, attendees will be able to experience the tag-based combat system and the charm of the original work firsthand through a demo version, and various stage programs introducing the game are also scheduled to take place.

Given that it is based on the original series, which has a solid fan base in Japan, the game is considered a key title that will lead Netmarble Corporation’s expansion into the Japanese market.

"I’m the Only One Leveling Up," Which Has Already Gained a Following in Japan, Takes on a New Challenge with Fresh Action

“I’m the Only One Leveling Up: Karma” is a roguelike action RPG currently in development for mobile and PC platforms. Based on the “I’m the Only One Leveling Up” anime, which gained immense popularity in the global market, it unfolds a new story centered on the 27-year-long War of the Monarchs—a period not covered in detail in the original work.

The game features action that emphasizes satisfying controls and a variety of combat styles that change depending on the combination of weapons and blessings. Players can combine new weapons and abilities through repeated play and tackle battles in different ways each time.

A demo version will be available at TGS, allowing players to experience battles set against the backdrop of dimensional rifts and the unique fun of progression and combination mechanics characteristic of the roguelike genre.

“I Level Up Alone” is an IP that has expanded its fan base in Japan through its anime adaptation. Netmarble Corporation plans to capitalize on the original work’s high name recognition by adding a unique combat system and a new narrative to attract the attention of Japanese action RPG players.

Proprietary IP “Pearl in Blue” Targets Japanese Subculture Fans

Netmarble Corporation’s new in-house IP, “Pearl in Blue,” will make its debut at this year’s TGS. This game is a subculture-themed collectible RPG centered on romantic interactions with characters. It features content focused on building relationships with cute female characters, a world setting with a modern sensibility, and the fun of collecting and leveling up characters.

Players can interact with a variety of characters to discover each one’s unique personality and story. A key feature is that the game goes beyond simply collecting characters and using them in battle; it highlights relationships with characters and emotional developments as its core content.

At this year’s TGS, Netmarble plans to set up an exhibition space where visitors can naturally experience the game’s atmosphere and the charm of its characters, in addition to offering gameplay demos.

Netmarble Corporation plans to secure a new fan base by capitalizing on subculture genres—which are highly popular in Japan—and character interaction elements, with the long-term goal of strengthening the competitiveness of its proprietary IPs.

A Netmarble Corporation representative stated, “We plan to run differentiated programs—such as demos, stage events, and interactive booths—tailored to the genre and IP characteristics of each title,” adding, “Rather than simply exhibiting new titles, we aim to secure a local fanbase early on by allowing users to directly experience the core fun of the games.”