Chinese tech conglomerate Tencent has initiated preliminary discussions to potentially acquire South Korean gaming giant Nexon.
According to report, Tencent has approached the family of Nexon’s late founder, Kim Jung-ju, who currently controls a majority stake in the company through holding firm NXC.
While these talks signal Tencent’s continued ambition to expand its global gaming footprint, particularly in Asia, the discussions are still in the early stages.
No binding agreements or final terms have been reached as of now, and it remains uncertain whether the negotiations will ultimately lead to a formal acquisition.
Tencent-Nexon Deal Could Boost Blockchain Gaming Ambitions
The potential deal could mark a significant move in the gaming and blockchain space, given Nexon’s growing interest in Web3 technologies and virtual assets.
Tencent, which already holds stakes in major game developers like Riot Games and Epic Games, could leverage this acquisition to further its influence in the evolving blockchain gaming ecosystem.
However, regulatory challenges, especially amid increasing scrutiny of Chinese firms acquiring overseas assets, could pose obstacles.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with both companies staying tight-lipped on the matter, and industry watchers keeping a close eye on developments.
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Founder’s Family Holds 44.4% Stake in Nexon as of June 30
As of June 30, entities linked to Nexon’s late founder collectively held 44.4% of the company, according to filings.
His wife and daughters reportedly control about 67.6% of NXC, the holding firm that owns Nexon.
Founded in 1994 and now based in Japan, Nexon is renowned for its hit online games, including the long-running MapleStory franchise.
The company went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2011, marking one of the largest tech IPOs of that era.
While Nexon shares have risen over 10% in 2025 so far, they still trade nearly 30% below their peak levels seen in 2021, reflecting broader market shifts and growing competition in the global gaming and blockchain-integrated entertainment landscape.
Tencent’s Earlier Nexon Bid in 2019 Failed Over Pricing Dispute
This isn’t Tencent’s first attempt to acquire Nexon. In 2019, NXC Corp—Nexon’s holding company—explored a stake sale, but the deal fell through due to a pricing disagreement.
Despite that, Tencent and Nexon have maintained a strong business relationship. The two companies co-developed Dungeon & Fighter, one of the most successful online games in Asia, which has been a major revenue driver for Tencent.
Their collaboration on this title has helped cement Tencent’s position in the gaming market, particularly in South Korea and China.
A renewed acquisition attempt signals Tencent’s continued interest in deepening its gaming portfolio, potentially integrating more blockchain features as the industry evolves toward Web3 and metaverse-enabled platforms.
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