A Leadership Shift

In a significant leadership shift within the gaming industry, Jeonghee "JJ" Jin has been appointed CEO of NC America, following an impressive tenure at Pearl Abyss where she headed the company’s American operations for nearly eight years. Now, as she steers NCSoft amidst one of the most challenging times in the gaming sector, her focus is clear: to establish and expand the company’s footprint in the Americas.

Ambitious Plans for NCSoft

During an exclusive interview with GamesBeat, Jin outlined her ambitious plans for NCSoft, which recently made strategic investments in both Korean and European game studios. The company is also utilizing a new office in Irvine, California, where it's experimenting with non-MMO genres, having just launched an innovative “idle MMO” game. Jin’s unique blend of experience from both Eastern and Western markets positions her strategically for this expansion.

A Rich Background in Gaming

Jin's journey in the gaming industry began in 2018 when she joined Pearl Abyss as its first U.S. employee. In a short time, she took the reins as CEO of Pearl Abyss America, overseeing the growth of the division to about 85 staff members. Despite South Korea's gaming giants, including NCSoft, dominating the landscape, penetrating the U.S. and Western markets has always been fraught with challenges.

Recognizing the importance of local understanding, Jin emphasized, “It’s crucial to have a local team that can engage with the community because each market has distinct needs and preferences.” She believes that in today’s gaming ecosystem, the immediate post-launch period is just as pivotal as the initial product launch, highlighting the need for continuous community engagement and live service support.

NCSoft’s Legacy and Future Vision

Founded in 1997, NCSoft has developed some of the world's most renowned MMORPGs, including the iconic Lineage series, which boasts over 200 million registered users globally. With NC America established in April 2023, Jin has ambitious plans to amplify the company’s publishing capabilities, including exploring potential acquisitions of Western studios to bolster the game slate.

"We view NCSoft as a sleeping giant in the West," Jin remarked, demonstrating her confidence in the company’s potential. NC America not only supports existing franchises like Blade & Soul and Aion but is also on the lookout for new and promising titles from independent studios.

In an exciting development for fans, the announcement of "Blade & Soul Neo," a remastered version of the original game, is set to make waves in the North American and European markets, reflecting Jin’s commitment to delivering refreshed and improved experiences rooted in nostalgia.

Strategic Growth and Community Engagement

As NCSoft expands through both new game acquisitions and existing titles, Jin is aware of the delicate balance needed for growth. With a current workforce of around 35 employees across the Americas and plans for steady hiring, she aims to foster a work environment that prioritizes passion for gaming while ensuring that expansion does not outpace the company’s capabilities.

"We’re focused on small- to medium-sized projects initially, ensuring we have a solid foundation before scaling our efforts," said Jin. The expansion plans include a workforce that is both skilled and attuned to the gaming community's pulse, ensuring that the titles resonate with players.

Having witnessed significant layoffs in the gaming industry over recent years, Jin remains hopeful. "The industry has faced tough times, but I believe we are on the cusp of a turnaround. Now is the time for established companies like NCSoft to leverage this unique moment and reclaim their position in the market."

A Visionary Future

Jin's dream extends beyond numbers and profits; she aspires to create a workplace where game enthusiasts can thrive, collaborate, and contribute to the gaming community. "My goal is to cultivate an environment where passionate gamers can turn ideas into groundbreaking projects," she said.

As Jeonghee "JJ" Jin embarks on her journey at NCSoft, her vision and passion for gaming not only signal a transformative era for the company but also raise expectations for the future of gaming in the Americas. Stay tuned as NCSoft aims to capture the hearts of players on this exciting journey!