[Edaily Reporter An Yu-ri ] Webzen Inc.(069080)reported an operating profit of 11 billion won for the first half of the year, marking a 26.8% year-over-year decline due to a lack of new releases during that period.

Webzen Inc. announced on the 6th that its operating revenue and operating profit for the first half of 2026 were 77.3 billion won and 11 billion won, respectively. These figures represent decreases of 4% and 26.8% compared to the same period last year, while net income increased by 89%.

Net income for the first half of the year rose due to a base effect compared to the first half of 2025, when it had temporarily declined.

Looking specifically at the second quarter of 2026, operating revenue, operating profit, and net income were 38 billion won, 5.6 billion won, and 6.3 billion won, respectively, compared to the same period last year. These figures represent decreases of 2.8%, 8.4%, and 6.4%, respectively.

The company explained that the decline in revenue due to the lack of new game releases impacted its first-half performance this year. In the second half, it will begin preparations for game launches by announcing the new titles it has been developing.

The strategy game “PROJECT D1,” developed by subsidiary Webzen Inc., is set to unveil its first details in the second half of the year, with a development schedule targeting a 2027 release.

Based on the IP from the Naver Webtoon “I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game,” the company first announced the game’s development last year (2025). The game is being developed as a hybrid genre combining tower defense and dungeon offense, bringing the original webtoon to life as a sophisticated 2.5D game with pixel art graphics. The strategic elements of the scenario, built upon the original’s solid narrative, are generating anticipation among gamers, particularly fans of the source material.

Development of “Gate of Gates,” a strategy defense game, is also progressing smoothly. By combining the strategic depth inherent in defense games with a roguelike-style character progression system, the game allows players to enjoy a variety of tactics. The company plans to release additional information about the game as early as the second half of this year.

In addition, “PROJECT G,” a game based on the “MU” IP for which a cinematic trailer was recently unveiled, is a major title targeting the Western market. Its subsidiary, “Webzen Inc. Redstar,” is developing the game using Unreal Engine 5.

“Tervis,” which underwent a complete overhaul following its closed beta test (CBT), also announced its participation in “Comiket,” a Japanese subculture exhibition. In addition to technical investments in game development, the company is continuously seeking to expand its market share in overseas markets.

Kim Tae-young, CEO of Webzen Inc., stated, “We are preparing an active business schedule for the second half of the year to promote our new games, which are set to launch next year,” adding, “We will continue our efforts to enhance shareholder value, such as the scheduled payment of special dividends, and maintain our investment in the gaming business to prepare for mid- to long-term growth.”