Webzen
South Korean game developer and publisher known for the MU series.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Webzen is a South Korean game developer and publisher founded in 2000, known for the MMORPG MU Online. The company also developed titles like MU Origin and operates games globally.
History
Webzen was established in South Korea in 2000 as an online-game company. Its development and publishing activities came to be associated especially with MMORPGs and other persistent multiplayer services. The company's most prominent intellectual property is MU Online, a fantasy MMORPG that became the foundation of Webzen's public identity and was later extended through additional content and related titles. Webzen's operating model reflects the structure of free-to-play online games. Players can access supported games without an upfront retail purchase, while optional virtual goods are sold through microtransactions. WCoins function as Webzen's virtual currency and can be purchased with real money for use in acquiring in-game items or services. This approach allows the company to maintain games as continuing online services rather than treating them solely as completed software products. Corporate integration with NHN Games was an important stage in Webzen's development. NHN Games took over Webzen's management in September 2008. The companies later merged on July 7, 2010, and NHN Games was dissolved through the merger. The transaction connected Webzen with a larger online-game operating structure while leaving Webzen as the continuing corporate name represented in the subsequent history. On January 26, 2011, Webzen acquired Ymir Games. The transaction gave Webzen ownership of Metin2, adding another established online title to its portfolio and strengthening the company's international publishing and licensing position. Webzen's catalogue during this period included MU Online content and expansions, Archlord 2, C9, Arctic Combat, and other online games. International service operations and competitive events became visible parts of Webzen's market strategy. C9 global service began on July 1, 2012. In connection with the game, Webzen announced world championship activities for C9 and Arctic Combat, using organized competition to build engagement among players in different regions. The finals took place at the G-Star 2012 exhibition on November 10, 2012. Arctic Combat global service began on December 6, 2012, and was also offered through Steam. That Steam service was later shut down on September 2, 2013. Webzen's portfolio continued to be associated with the MU franchise, including MU Legend, while the company also acted as a publisher or licensor for games produced through other development relationships. The resulting business combines proprietary development, third-party publishing, licensing, and international service operation. This gives Webzen a position between a traditional game studio and a platform-oriented online publisher. The available reference material identifies Webzen as an active, publicly listed South Korean company operating globally. It does not provide enough verified information to document a complete current leadership list, its present board structure, or a detailed account of all current subsidiaries. It also does not establish a reliable source-backed financial history suitable for inclusion in this dossier.
- 2013
Arctic Combat Steam service ends
[1]The Steam service for Arctic Combat was discontinued on September 2, 2013.
- 2012
C9 enters global service
[1]Global service for Continent of the Ninth began on July 1, 2012.
- 2012
Arctic Combat enters global service
[1]Arctic Combat launched global service on December 6, 2012, including a Steam service.
- 2011
Acquisition of Ymir Games
[1]Webzen acquired Ymir Games on January 26, 2011, obtaining ownership of Metin2.
- 2010
Merger with NHN Games
[1]Webzen merged with NHN Games on July 7, 2010, and NHN Games was dissolved through the merger.
- 2008
NHN Games assumes management
[1]NHN Games took over management of Webzen in September 2008.
- 2000
Webzen founded
[1]Webzen was established in South Korea as an online video-game company.
Products and positioning
Online-game specialist with a strong emphasis on MMORPG development, publishing, licensing, and long-running free-to-play services.
MMORPG
MU Online
MU Online is Webzen's signature fantasy MMORPG and the best-known property associated with the company. It is operated as a persistent online service and uses a free-to-play model supported by optional purchases of virtual goods. Webzen has developed the franchise through expansions and later related releases, making it the central reference point for the company's MMORPG-focused identity.
MMORPG
MU Legend
MU Legend is a later title in the MU franchise. It extends Webzen's established fantasy online-game brand into another generation of multiplayer role-playing service, carrying forward the franchise's emphasis on persistent progression, online communities, and monetized digital content.
MMORPG
Metin2
Metin2 is an online role-playing game that became part of Webzen's portfolio through the January 2011 acquisition of Ymir Games. Its addition broadened Webzen's ownership and publishing footprint beyond the MU franchise and contributed to the company's international online-game business.
Online action role-playing game · 2012
Continent of the Ninth (C9)
Continent of the Ninth, commonly abbreviated C9, is an online action role-playing title published and serviced by Webzen. Its global service began in 2012. Webzen promoted the game through international competitive events, including a world championship whose finals were held during G-Star 2012.
Online multiplayer shooter · 2012
Arctic Combat
Arctic Combat was an online multiplayer combat game supported by Webzen's global publishing and service operations. Global service began in December 2012, and the title was distributed through Steam. Webzen also included Arctic Combat in its international championship program, although its Steam service was discontinued in September 2013.
MMORPG
Archlord 2
Archlord 2 is an MMORPG included among Webzen's online-game offerings. It represents the company's broader portfolio strategy of supporting multiple fantasy and persistent-world properties rather than relying exclusively on the MU franchise.
Marketing campaigns
- 2012C9 and Arctic Combat World Championship
Global
Webzen organized international competitive events for players of C9 and Arctic Combat. The program positioned esports-style competition and player skill as promotional extensions of its online services.
Outcome. The finals were held at the G-Star 2012 exhibition on November 10, 2012.
Brand decisions
2012
Launch C9 global serviceProduct launchBackground
Webzen was extending its online-game portfolio to international audiences.
Action taken
Global service for C9 began on July 1, 2012.
Aftermath
Webzen incorporated C9 into an international championship program.
2012
Launch Arctic Combat global serviceProduct launchBackground
Webzen pursued a global service and distribution strategy for online multiplayer games.
Action taken
Arctic Combat global service launched on December 6, 2012, including Steam distribution.
Aftermath
The Steam service ended on September 2, 2013.
2011
Acquire Ymir GamesM&ABackground
Webzen sought to expand its portfolio of online games and international publishing assets.
Action taken
Webzen acquired Ymir Games on January 26, 2011.
Aftermath
The company became the owner of Metin2.
2010
Merge with NHN GamesM&ABackground
NHN Games had managed Webzen since 2008, creating an established basis for corporate consolidation.
Action taken
Webzen merged with NHN Games on July 7, 2010, with NHN Games dissolved through the transaction.
Aftermath
Webzen continued as the identified corporate brand and expanded its role as an online-game developer and publisher.
2008
Accept NHN Games managementStrategyBackground
Webzen was operating in the online-game sector and entered a period of closer corporate integration with NHN Games.
Action taken
NHN Games took over management of Webzen in September 2008.
Aftermath
The relationship later culminated in a 2010 merger between the companies.
Sources2 sources
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