IMC Games
IMC Games is a South Korean MMORPG developer (founded 2003) operating the Granado Espada and Tree of Savior franchises globally through Steam self-publishing and 16+ regional publishers, with mobile spinoffs and IP-licensed derivatives extending the brands across 50+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersYeoksamdong, South Korea
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What IMC Games does
IMC Games Co., Ltd. (주식회사 아이엠씨게임즈) is a privately held South Korean MMORPG developer founded in 2003 and headquartered in Seoul (ES Tower, Gangnam-gu). The company operates two flagship franchises: Granado Espada, commercially live since 2006 and distinguished by its MCC (Multi-Character Control) system that lets players command up to three characters simultaneously, and Tree of Savior, an open-world MMORPG launched in 2016 featuring 3D modeled textured graphics, 80+ classes, and a painterly art direction. Both titles have generated Korea Game Awards recognition and remain in service globally.
The company's product portfolio extends to mobile (Tree of Savior M, Granado Espada M) and to IP-licensed derivatives developed by regional partners (Tree of Savior: Neo by Neocraft, Tree of Savior: Neverland by Qookka Games across 11 Asian markets, Forestia by Lingxi Games in China). Underlying technology centers on the proprietary MCC gameplay architecture and the live MMO client/server stack; no AI/ML, SDK, or external API surface is publicly disclosed.
IMC Games generates revenue primarily through a freemium model with in-game purchases across its PC and mobile titles, supplemented by IP licensing fees and revenue share from mobile adaptations and derivative titles. Distribution is hybrid: self-publishing on Steam for Japan and Korea since 2016-2017, and channel partnerships with 16+ regional publishers — including Nexon (Korea/Japan/Thailand), Vertigo Games, Qookka Games, Neocraft, HanbitSoft, Gamania, ASIASOFT, and others — covering markets across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe (55 countries), North America, and South America. The company is led by CEO Kim Hak-gyu.
IMC Games firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IMC Games
- Legal name
- IMCGAMES CO., LTD. (주)아이엠씨게임즈
- Website
- https://imc.co.kr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- IMC Games is a South Korean MMORPG developer (founded 2003) operating the Granado Espada and Tree of Savior franchises globally through Steam self-publishing and 16+ regional publishers, with mobile spinoffs and IP-licensed derivatives extending the brands across 50+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IMC Games industry classification
Industry- Product category
- MMORPG Games
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132), Software Publishers (513210)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Co-Development, Porting & Remaster Studios (MPAFAAAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- PC & Console Game Distribution Platforms (BPAMAKAA), Digital Game Distribution Platforms & Storefronts (PC/Mobile/Console) (MPAFABAB)
Keywords
Where IMC Games is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Yeoksamdong
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
IMC Games business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Free-to-Play (F2P) / Freemium: IMC Games operates games on a free-to-play model with in-game purchases. Tree of Savior transitioned to F2P on Steam in 2016. Granado Espada also operates on F2P model on Steam since 2017. Revenue is generated through in-game item purchases and microtransactions.
- IP Licensing: IMC Games licenses their IP to third-party developers for mobile adaptations (e.g., Granado Espada Mobile with HanbitSoft, Tree of Savior M, Tree of Savior: Neverland, Tree of Savior: Neo) and receives licensing fees or revenue share.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free-to-play base game with in-game purchases |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
IMC Games product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IMC Games develops and publishes MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing) games, with flagship titles Tree of Savior and Granado Espada for PC, plus mobile versions Tree of Savior M and Granado Espada M. The company licenses its established IPs to third-party developers for derivative mobile and regional game adaptations, distributing globally through Steam, regional publishers, and mobile app stores under a free-to-play model with in-game purchases.
Product overview
IMC Games is an MMORPG development company offering a portfolio of games including the flagship titles Tree of Savior (PC) and Granado Espada (PC), plus their mobile counterparts Tree of Savior M and Granado Espada M. The company also licenses its IP (Tree of Savior) to partners for derivative games such as Tree of Savior: Neo, Tree of Savior: Neverland, and Forestia. Tree of Savior emphasizes open-world exploration with class-based character progression, while Granado Espada features a unique Multi-Character Control system allowing simultaneous control of up to 3 characters. The mobile versions adapt these core experiences for on-the-go gaming with companion systems and narrative elements.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Tree of Savior (트리 오브 세이비어): Open world MMORPG featuring 3D modeled game world with artistic textures and diverse soundtrack.
- Granado Espada (그라나도 에스파다)
- Tree of Savior M (트리 오브 세이비어 M)
- Wolf Knights (울프나이츠)
- Granado Espada M
Products and services
- Tree of Savior (트리 오브 세이비어) Open-world MMORPG featuring free exploration across multiple towns, expansive fields, instanced dungeons, and hidden locations. Uses textured 3D modeling with a picturesque art style and cross-genre musical soundtrack. Free-to-play on Steam and through regional publishers.
- Granado Espada (그라나도 에스파다) MMORPG featuring the proprietary MCC (Multi-Character Control) system allowing players to control up to 3 characters simultaneously as a 'team', enabling strategic class combinations. Free-to-play on Steam and through regional publishers.
- Tree of Savior M (트리 오브 세이비어 M) Mobile MMORPG based on Tree of Savior IP featuring diverse character classes with unique skills, companion characters Qupol and Fellow with special abilities, and narrative-driven character progression. Free-to-play on mobile app stores.
- Granado Espada M Mobile version of Granado Espada developed via IP licensing partnership with HanbitSoft. Free-to-play on mobile app stores.
- Tree of Savior: Neo Tree of Savior IP-based game launched globally by Neocraft via IP licensing arrangement with IMC Games.
- Tree of Savior: Neverland
Quantifiable outcome
- Tree of Savior: Neverland launched in 11 Asian countries simultaneously
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use IMC Games
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
IMC Games technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
IMC Games partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.
- NeocraftmajorNeocraft opened global service for Tree of Savior: Neo (Tree of Savior IP) in June 2025.
- Qookka GamesmajorQookka Games specializes in publishing mobile strategy and RPG titles, successfully bringing global games to market with extensive operational experience. Tree of Savior: Neverland launched in 11 Asian countries through Qookka Games in October 2024.
- Vertigo GamesmajorVertigo Games publishes online and mobile games, successfully servicing international titles in Europe and North America. Signed export agreement with Vertigo Games for Tree of Savior in 2022. Tree of Savior South America server opened with Papaya Play.
- Nexon JapanmajorNexon Japan publishes international online and mobile games for the Japanese market, providing stable services through localization and operational expertise. Contract signed in 2015 for Tree of Savior Japan publishing.
- Nexon (Korea)majorNexon Korea is a leading publisher with extensive experience publishing diverse online and mobile games in the Korean market. IMC Games partnered with Nexon for Tree of Savior Korean publishing in 2014.
- Nexon ThailandcoreNexon Thailand has consistently published global titles, securing a large user base in Southeast Asia as one of the region's leading publishers.
- Nexon JapancoreNexon Japan publishes Tree of Savior, Sudden Attack, Counter-Strike Online, Mabinogi, and Atlantica Online for the Japanese market.
- Electronics ExtremecoreFounded in 2014 in Thailand, Extreme provides stable services to local gaming communities through publishing and community operations. Publishes Ragnarok Online, Infestation: Survivor Stories, Battle Carnival, Cabal Online.
- ASIASOFTcoreEstablished in 2001 in Thailand, ASIASOFT is a leading online game publisher in Southeast Asia, servicing multiple genres across the region. Publishes Ragnarok Online, MapleStory, Gunbound, TS Online, Perfect World.
- IAHgamescoreEstablished in 2005 in Singapore, IAHgames localizes international games for regional markets while contributing to eSports and community growth, positioning itself as a leading Southeast Asian publisher. Publishes FIFA Online 2, Counter-Strike Online.
- HAPPYTUKcoreFounded in 2012, HAPPYTUK is a Taiwanese publisher providing localized services and publishing international titles through its 'MangoT5' platform. Publishes Lost Ark (Taiwan/HK/Macau), Shin Yulgang Mobile, Alliance of Valiant Arms.
- RedbanacoreRedbana, T3 Entertainment's North American branch, localizes Korean online games for English-speaking markets. Publishes Audition Online, Mythos (North America).
- the9coreThe9 successfully introduced international online titles to the Chinese market, expanding the early online gaming sector through global partnerships and stable service experience. Publishes World of Warcraft, MU Online, Guild Wars.
- HanbitSoftcoreFounded in 1999, HanbitSoft is an online game publisher with extensive operational experience and a strong global cooperation network. Publishes Audition, AIKA, Hellgate: London. IMC Games signed IP contract with HanbitSoft for Granado Espada Mobile in 2019.
- GamaniacoreFounded in 1995, Gamania has successfully published Korean and international titles, establishing itself as one of Taiwan's leading game publishers. Publishes Lineage, MapleStory, Counter-Strike Online, KartRider.
- WayicoreEstablished in 1993, Wayi is one of Taiwan's leading digital entertainment companies, providing comprehensive services including game development, publishing, and eSports while expanding global partnerships. Publishes Stone Age Online, Scions Of Fate, Special Force.
- K2 NetworkcoreFounded in 2001 in California, K2 Network operated its 'GamersFirst' brand, publishing free-to-play games and running service platforms in North America and Europe. Publishes Knight Online, MU Online, War Rock.
- LYTOGAMEminorFounded in 1993, LYTOGAME is a leading Taiwanese digital entertainment company offering comprehensive services including game development, publishing, and eSports while expanding global partnerships.
- Macrowell OMGcoreFounded in 1999 in Taiwan, MacroWell OMG expanded from online game distribution into platform operations, becoming a major publisher. Publishes Dragon Weather, Luna Online, The Ninth Seal.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights4 records
IMC Games competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Pearl Abyss: Korean developer of Black Desert Online and Crimson Desert — a publicly listed MMORPG studio competing for the same Korean/global PC and console MMORPG audience as IMC Games.
- NCSoft: Korean MMORPG developer behind Lineage, Aion, Blade & Soul, Guild Wars 2, and Throne and Liberty. Directly comparable as a Korea-headquartered developer/publisher of long-running MMORPG franchises with global regional expansion.
- Webzen: Developer and publisher of MU Online, one of the most enduring Korean MMORPG franchises. Comparable in size, IP longevity, and global publisher-led distribution model.
- Wemade: Korean developer/publisher of the Legend of Mir franchise and MIR4 (blockchain MMORPG). Comparable Korean MMORPG studio with similar IP-extension strategy and international distribution ambitions.
- Gravity Co., Ltd. Developer/publisher of Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok M, operating a multi-decade MMORPG franchise with extensive global regional licensing — the same business model IMC Games uses for Tree of Savior and Granado Espada.
- XLGAMES: Korean developer behind ArcheAge and ArcheAge 2, a Korean MMORPG studio with global publishing ties — comparable to IMC's profile as a Korean-rooted MMORPG developer with multi-region publishing.
- Smilegate RPG: Korean developer of Lost Ark (published by Amazon globally) and the Epic Seven franchise — a similarly positioned Korean MMORPG/RPG studio with global Western-market reach.
Broad incumbents
- Kakao Games: Korean game publisher (Black Desert Online distribution, etc.) operating as a regional publisher and broader portfolio play; overlaps with IMC's publisher-driven strategy and Korean gaming ecosystem.
- Nexon Korea: Korean and global publisher of MapleStory, Mabinogi, KartRider, Sudden Attack, and the actual publishing partner for Tree of Savior in Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Larger incumbent that both competes with and partners with IMC Games.
- Blizzard Entertainment: Developer of World of Warcraft, the global benchmark subscription/freemium MMORPG. Comparable as a long-running, multi-region MMORPG publisher with iconic franchise IP and PC-first distribution — IMC's Granado Espada and Tree of Savior operate in similar category dynamics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
IMC Games social profiles
Digital presenceIMC Games financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IMC Games leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
IMC Games funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IMC Games M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IMC Games
What does IMC Games do?
IMC Games develops and publishes MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing) games, with flagship titles Tree of Savior and Granado Espada for PC, plus mobile versions Tree of Savior M and Granado Espada M. The company licenses its established IPs to third-party developers for derivative mobile and regional game adaptations, distributing globally through Steam, regional publishers, and mobile app stores under a free-to-play model with in-game purchases.
Is IMC Games a public or private company?
IMC Games is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was IMC Games founded?
IMC Games was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is IMC Games based?
IMC Games is headquartered in Yeoksamdong, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does IMC Games make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Free-to-Play (F2P) / Freemium is the primary driver. The others are IP Licensing.
Who are IMC Games's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pearl Abyss, NCSoft, Webzen, Wemade, Gravity Co., Ltd., XLGAMES and Smilegate RPG. Broad incumbents are Kakao Games, Nexon Korea and Blizzard Entertainment.
Does IMC Games have an API?
No public API is recorded for IMC Games.
What industry is IMC Games in?
IMC Games's product category is MMORPG Games. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAM, Co-Development, Porting & Remaster Studios, with a secondary code of BPAMAKAA, PC & Console Game Distribution Platforms. Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 7371.