Nexon reported its financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2026, revealing record quarterly revenue for the MapleStory franchise alongside a planned $2 billion special dividend for shareholders. The publicly traded publisher posted Q2 revenue of ¥121.1 billion ($759.2 million), exceeding company outlooks and maintaining cash reserves of ¥842 billion ($5.3 billion) after the return of capital.

Quick Facts

  • Special Dividend: Nexon is returning approximately ¥324 billion ($2 billion) to shareholders at ¥415 per share.
  • MapleStory Franchise Growth: Franchise revenue grew 63% year over year in Q2, reaching a record quarterly high.
  • ARC Raiders Sales: Cumulative unit sales surpassed 16.3 million, with the Frozen Trail update slated for October.
  • Q2 Financials: Operating income reached ¥31.3 billion ($196.2 million), while net income hit ¥29.6 billion ($185.5 million).

MapleStory Franchise Performance and Regional Outlook

The record-breaking quarter for MapleStory was propelled by multiple regional performances and spin-off titles. In Korea, revenue grew 7% year over year on top of the previous year's 91% growth, driven by June summer update sales. Global MapleStory revenue dipped 7% against a strong prior-year comparison, though Nexon expects double-digit year-over-year growth in Q3 supported by hyperlocalized summer updates in Western regions.

Meanwhile, MapleStory Worlds grew 123% year over year following two user-generated worlds launched in April across Korea and Taiwan. MapleStory: Idle RPG also exceeded company outlooks following its April update, contributing to broader franchise momentum that Nexon expects to continue into the third quarter with an anticipated 40% year-over-year growth rate.

Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns

President and CEO Junghun Lee stated that years of steady returns from established franchises and asset divestitures built up the company's large cash reserves. With $5.3 billion still on hand after the special dividend, Nexon aims to maintain capital efficiency while funding future growth opportunities. The planned dividend of ¥415 per share is subject to a formal board resolution expected in September, targeting shareholders registered as of September 30, 2026.

Upcoming Game Pipeline

Nexon outlined its upcoming product schedule for late 2026 and 2027. Releases scheduled for the remainder of the year include Dave the Diver on mobile globally on September 17, Arad: Idle RPG in Q4, and the Korean publication of Azur Promilia and Temppal: Overgeared. For 2027 and beyond, the studio confirmed titles such as Dungeon&Fighter Classic, Vindictus: Defying Fate, Mabinogi Eternity, and Nakwon Last Paradise.