Kakao Games
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersSeongnam, South Korea
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
Kakao Games firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kakao Games
- Legal name
- Kakao Games Corp.
- Website
- https://kakaogames.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kakao Games industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Video Game Publishing
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (513210)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Full-Service Game Publishers (1st/2nd/3rd-Party Publishing) (MPAFABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Narrative/Adventure & RPG Game Studios (MPAFAAAL), Mobile Game Publishing & App Game Stores (BPAMAKAB)
Keywords
Where Kakao Games is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seongnam
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices6 records
Markets served
Kakao Games business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- Game Publishing: Kakao Games publishes games developed internally (through subsidiaries like XLGAMES, Lionheart Studio, Ocean Drive Studio) and externally (through partnerships with developers like PixelTribe, Chrono Studio). Revenue generated from game sales across multiple platforms.
- In-Game Monetization: Mobile and PC/console games likely incorporate in-game purchases, though specific monetization mechanics are not detailed in available sources.
- Investment Capital: Received KRW 300 billion (approximately $198 million) investment from LY Corporation in exchange for majority stake, representing strategic capital infusion for international expansion.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels9 records
Kakao Games product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kakao Games is a South Korea-based global game publisher and developer that operates across mobile, PC, and console platforms. It owns and operates multiple internal studios (XLGAMES, Lionheart Studio, Ocean Drive Studio, Chrono Studio, PixelTribe) producing a portfolio of self-developed and externally-published titles spanning MMORPGs, tactical RPGs, roguelites, survival games, casual and mobile games. Its flagship franchises include ArcheAge, Odin: Valhalla Rising, Lost Eidolons, Chrono Odyssey, and Goddess Order.
Product overview
Kakao Games is a global comprehensive gaming company offering a diverse portfolio of game IPs across multiple platforms. The company operates as both publisher and developer with three owned game development studios: XLGAMES (specializing in MMORPGs like ArcheAge), Lionheart Studio (developer of Odin: Valhalla Rising), and Ocean Drive Studio (developer of Lost Eidolons series and God Save Birmingham). Services span mobile, PC online, and console platforms covering genres from casual games to subculture and hardcore MMORPGs. Core products include Chrono Odyssey (upcoming time-bending MMORPG), ArcheAge Chronicles (open-world action MMORPG), God Save Birmingham (zombie survival game), Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch (roguelite tactical RPG), Section 13 (roguelite shooter), Odin: Valhalla Rising (Norse mythology MMORPG), Guardian Tales (mobile adventure RPG), SMiniz (SM Entertainment IP puzzle game), Goddess Order (tag team action RPG), ArcheAge War (mobile MMORPG), Eversoul (mobile collectible RPG), and GranSagaIdle: KNIGHTSxKNIGHTS (casual idle RPG).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Chrono Odyssey: A time-bending MMORPG with action combat featuring time manipulation mechanics, set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
- ArcheAge Chronicles
- Odin: Valhalla Rising
- God Save Birmingham
- Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch
- Section 13
- Guardian Tales
- SMiniz
- Goddess Order
Products and services
- Chrono Odyssey Upcoming time-bending MMORPG set in the fractured realm of Setera, featuring dynamic action combat with time manipulation mechanics including Time Rewind and Freeze. Built with Unreal Engine 5 for cinematic visuals and targeted at PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S gamers.
- ArcheAge Chronicles Open-world action MMORPG expanding upon the ArcheAge franchise, set in Auroria. Features action combat blended with MMO mechanics, housing, crafting, and trading systems for global PC and console audiences.
- God Save Birmingham Open-world zombie survival game incorporating physics-based mechanics set in a medieval era. Features creative combat utilizing surrounding objects and detailed life skills from cooking to furniture, developed by Ocean Drive Studio for PC and console.
- Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch Roguelite tactical RPG and sequel to Lost Eidolons, developed by Ocean Drive Studio. Features turn-based combat blended with rogue-lite mechanics, multiple runs through a cursed island, and diverse weapons and skills. Available on Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S.
- Section 13 Solo roguelite shooter with narrative focus. Players infiltrate the mysterious Section 13 research facility, featuring various weapons and characters, playable on PC and console platforms.
- Odin: Valhalla Rising Norse mythology-themed open-world MMORPG with cross-platform support for mobile and PC. Features advanced 3D scanning and motion capture technology, seamless open-world experience, and large-scale battles. Published by Kakao Games and developed by Lionheart Studio.
- Guardian Tales Mobile adventure RPG with pixel art style, featuring puzzle and action gameplay elements. Available on iOS and Android for casual-to-midcore mobile gamers.
- SMiniz Mobile match-3 puzzle game featuring SM Entertainment artists IP. Supports five languages including Korean, English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese, with photocard collection elements and fandom culture customization for K-pop fans.
- Goddess Order Side-scrolling action RPG with retro 2D pixel graphics featuring tag team battle system for seamless character switching. Developed by PixelTribe with collaboration with hololive production. Targets mobile and PC gamers globally.
- ArcheAge War MMORPG mobile game with PC cross-platform support. Features large-scale warfare and strategic combat elements within the ArcheAge universe.
- Eversoul Mobile collectible RPG where players become Saviors commanding various Souls to battle invaders. Developed by NINEARK and published by Kakao Games for iOS and Android.
- GranSagaIdle: KNIGHTSxKNIGHTS Casual mobile idle RPG with RPG elements, co-published with Piedpixels. Features character collection and immersive storytelling, launched in over 160 countries.
Quantifiable outcome
- Odin: Valhalla Rising achieved 17 million+ downloads across Asia
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Kakao Games
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Kakao Games technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Kakao Games partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Line GamescoreLine Games, a subsidiary of LY Corporation, provides co-CEO Kim Tae-hwan who brings over 20 years of experience in gaming industry strategy, investment, and global business expansion. Line Games is also the subject of merger speculation with Kakao Games, though no decision has been made. The partnership provides strategic alignment with LY Corporation's investment goals.
- hololive ProductionminorLarge-scale collaboration with global virtual creator group hololive Production for Goddess Order. Popular members Usada Pekora and Mori Calliope appear in-game through limited-time events with special stories, missions, and mini-games. Well-known talents including Shirakami Fubuki and Inugami Korone livestream gameplay.
- PixelTribecorePixelTribe, led by core developers behind Crusaders Quest (25 million+ downloads), developed Goddess Order published by Kakao Games. The partnership involves global launch coordination, pre-registration campaigns, and creator collaboration programs. Goddess Order soft-launched in select regions before global release in September 2025.
- SM EntertainmentcoreSM Entertainment IP partnership for SMiniz, a mobile match-3 puzzle game featuring K-pop artists from NCT and aespa. Includes photocard collection elements, fandom culture features, and support for five languages. Game launched globally following successful closed beta test.
- NINEARKminorNINEARK developed Eversoul, a mobile collectible RPG published by Kakao Games. Ongoing content updates include new Soul characters and side story events.
- CaseStone PartnersminorCaseStone Partners acquired Sena Technologies from Kakao Games for over KRW 200 billion. Kakao Games retains a 16% stake in Sena Technologies, which continues to grow in the wireless communication devices market for motorcycles.
- PiedpixelsminorCo-publishing partnership with Piedpixels for GranSagaIdle: KNIGHTSxKNIGHTS. The game has achieved success in over 160 countries, reaching top charts in Korea and Japan.
- XLGAMEScoreXLGAMES is a subsidiary and development studio of Kakao Games, founded in 2003. Specializes in MMORPGs including the acclaimed ArcheAge. Excels in developing strong IPs and delivering hardcore gaming experiences. Continues to push boundaries in online gaming innovation.
- Lionheart StudiocoreLionheart Studio is a subsidiary and development studio of Kakao Games. Their flagship game, Odin: Valhalla Rising, has achieved success in multiple markets with over 17 million downloads. Dedicated to creating exceptional gaming experiences with cutting-edge technology.
- Ocean Drive StudiocoreOcean Drive Studio is a subsidiary of Kakao Games. Developed Lost Eidolons (turn-based tactical RPG on Steam, PS5, Xbox) and is developing Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch, Section 13 roguelite shooter, God Save Birmingham survival game, and monster-hunting action RPG based on Sword Master Youngest Son IP.
- Chrono StudiocoreChrono Studio developed Chrono Odyssey, a time-bending MMORPG built with Unreal Engine 5. The game underwent extensive closed beta testing with over 1 million sign-ups. Kakao Games serves as publisher for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S launch.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kakao Games competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Krafton: South Korean game publisher behind PUBG franchise. Direct peer as Korean-headquartered global publisher/developer with multi-platform reach and KRW 3.33T in disclosed revenue, comparable in scale and platform mix to Kakao Games.
- Netmarble: Korean mobile and online game publisher with global MMORPG and casual titles. Direct peer sharing Korean HQ, MMORPG focus, KOSDAQ/KRX listing, and global publishing ambitions overlapping Kakao Games' Odin and Guardian Tales portfolio.
- Nexon: Japanese/Korean-listed global publisher of MMORPGs and casual games (MapleStory, Dungeon Fighter). Closely comparable as Asian-headquartered publisher with both first-party studios and third-party publishing, serving overlapping mobile/PC audiences.
- NCSoft: Korean MMORPG specialist (Lineage, Guild Wars). Highly direct peer given shared MMORPG concentration, Korean origin, and B2C free-to-PC publishing model competing for the same hardcore Korean/global MMO audience.
- Pearl Abyss: Korean developer/publisher of Black Desert Online, focused on high-fidelity MMORPGs. Direct peer in MMORPG genre with comparable multi-platform (PC/console/mobile) and global publishing model.
- Smilegate: Korean developer/publisher of CrossFire and Lost Ark. Direct peer in Korean PC/mobile publishing with global expansion ambitions and MMO/online service focus overlapping Kakao Games' portfolio.
- Wemade: Korean publisher of Legend of Mir and blockchain gaming titles. Direct peer in Korean MMORPG publishing with comparable PC/mobile distribution and ongoing global MMORPG development.
Emerging players
- HoYoverse (miHoYo): Chinese-origin global game publisher of Genshin Impact and Honkai. Emerging direct competitor in cross-platform high-fidelity action games, targeting overlapping Western/Asian gamer demographics with content-rich live-service model.
Regional players
- LINE Games: Game publisher subsidiary of LY Corporation and source of incoming co-CEO Kim Tae-hwan. Regional peer with overlapping Korean/Japanese publishing focus and active merger speculation with Kakao Games.
- Garena (Sea Limited): Singapore-based game publishing arm of Sea Limited. Comparable as Asia-Pacific publisher with global title distribution (Free Fire) and Southeast Asian market focus overlapping Kakao Games' SEA expansion strategy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kakao Games social profiles
Digital presenceKakao Games financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kakao Games leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Kakao Games subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Kakao Games funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kakao Games M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A3 records
Investments24 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kakao Games
What does Kakao Games do?
Kakao Games is a South Korea-based global game publisher and developer that operates across mobile, PC, and console platforms. It owns and operates multiple internal studios (XLGAMES, Lionheart Studio, Ocean Drive Studio, Chrono Studio, PixelTribe) producing a portfolio of self-developed and externally-published titles spanning MMORPGs, tactical RPGs, roguelites, survival games, casual and mobile games. Its flagship franchises include ArcheAge, Odin: Valhalla Rising, Lost Eidolons, Chrono Odyssey, and Goddess Order.
Is Kakao Games a public or private company?
Kakao Games is a private company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Kakao Games founded?
Kakao Games was founded in 2016. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Kakao Games based?
Kakao Games is headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does Kakao Games make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Game Publishing is the primary driver. The others are in-Game Monetization and investment Capital.
Who are Kakao Games's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Krafton, Netmarble, Nexon, NCSoft, Pearl Abyss, Smilegate and Wemade. HoYoverse (miHoYo) is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are LINE Games and Garena (Sea Limited).
Does Kakao Games have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kakao Games.
What industry is Kakao Games in?
Kakao Games's product category is Video Game Publishing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFABAA, Full-Service Game Publishers (1st/2nd/3rd-Party Publishing), with a secondary code of MPAFAAAL, Narrative/Adventure & RPG Game Studios. Its NAICS code is 513210.