Nexon Co., Ltd., the South Korean online gaming giant, has appointed industry veteran Patrick Söderlund as its new executive chairman. The company stated the move is designed to accelerate its global strategy, transform its creative direction, and lead its next phase of growth. The appointment was announced in a company statement, though a specific effective date was not provided.
Söderlund is a well-known figure in the global video game industry. He previously served as the chief design officer at Electronic Arts (EA) and was a co-founder of Embark Studios, a developer later acquired by Nexon in 2022. His career includes overseeing major franchises such as Battlefield, FIFA, and Madden during his tenure at EA.
Strategic Leadership for Global Expansion
Nexon’s decision to bring in Söderlund signals a focused intent on strengthening its position in Western markets and refining its creative output. The company, famous for massively popular and long-running titles like MapleStory and Dungeon&Fighter, has historically seen its strongest player base in Asia. The new executive chairman’s experience is expected to guide Nexon’s portfolio development and global publishing efforts.
In his role, Söderlund will report directly to Nexon’s board of directors. He is tasked with providing strategic leadership across the company’s global operations. This includes oversight of game development, publishing, and overall business strategy to enhance Nexon’s international footprint.
Background and Industry Context
The appointment follows Nexon’s acquisition of Söderlund’s studio, Embark Studios, two years ago. Embark is currently developing two announced titles: ARC Raiders, a cooperative third-person shooter, and The Finals, a competitive first-person shooter. Both projects are highly anticipated in the gaming community and represent Nexon’s investment in new intellectual property aimed at a global audience.
Nexon has been actively investing in and partnering with development studios worldwide to diversify its game portfolio beyond its core live-service hits. The company’s leadership has frequently cited the goal of creating “global blockbuster” games as a key long-term objective.
Official Statements and Expected Impact
In the official announcement, Nexon framed the appointment as a critical step for its future. The company stated that Söderlund’s proven track record in building successful games and franchises aligns with its ambitions for growth and innovation. The move places a seasoned executive with deep roots in both development and business strategy at the helm of its creative and operational direction.
Industry analysts view the appointment as a logical consolidation of leadership following the Embark Studios acquisition. It provides Söderlund with a broader platform to influence Nexon’s entire pipeline, not just the projects at his former studio. His understanding of Western gaming tastes and development processes is considered a significant asset for the Seoul-based corporation.
Looking ahead, the immediate focus will be on the successful launch and operation of Embark Studios’ first titles, The Finals and ARC Raiders. The performance of these games will be an early indicator of the new strategic direction’s effectiveness. Furthermore, Söderlund is expected to evaluate Nexon’s existing development projects and partnerships, potentially steering resource allocation toward initiatives with the highest global potential. The company’s next financial earnings call will likely provide further insight into the strategic priorities under the new executive leadership.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
