NCSoft invests $5m in Vancouver start-up

Online gaming firm NCSoft has invested $5m in Vancouver-based mobile gaming start-up This Game Studio.

As reported by GamesBeat, the developer was founded by former Exploding Barrel Games and Kabam staff, including ex-Kabam North America GM Chris Ko. The studio currently houses ten employees, and is in discussions with other companies to license in existing IP.

The studio plans to tackle new genres outside of the typical strategy and puzzle games often seen in the mobile space.

“Our focus is on building fun games first, and profitable ones,” said Ko.

“We want games that are fun and engaging with sensible monetisation. We’ve made games for 20 years, and we have a specific philosophy about doing them in a way that is creative. We think there is a way to build a successful game and build a studio. We are grateful to Kabam and [have] learned a lot. ”

NCSoft West Senior VP of corporate development Michael Change said its investment in the Vancouver gaming start-up would not be the last.

“This is part of our desire to work with some of the best mobile game developers in the world,” said Chang.

“You will see us become more active on investments and acquisitions in the West. This is our first exposure to the Canadian game development community.”