Netmarble’s Seven Knights Idle Adventure and Nimble Neuron’s Eternal Return have been granted foreign game licenses, or “import game approvals,” by China’s National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA). The announcement, made on December 23, marks a significant milestone for both titles in expanding their reach into the Chinese gaming market.
Seven Knights Idle Adventure (集合吧七骑士), a mobile game serviced by Netmarble and developed by its subsidiary Netmarble Nexus, is based on the popular Seven Knights intellectual property (IP). The game incorporates an idle system and launched globally in September 2023, excluding select regions such as South Korea and China. It has been particularly successful in South Korea, where it reached second place in Google Play’s revenue rankings. Its anticipated entry into China is expected to further cement its position in the global mobile gaming market.
Meanwhile, Nimble Neuron’s Eternal Return (永恒轮回), a PC-based battle royale game with MOBA elements, also received a license. This marks the second time the IP has secured approval from Chinese regulators, following a July 2022 license granted for a mobile version of the game. That version was developed by a local Chinese studio, with Nimble Neuron overseeing quality control. The latest approval for the PC version indicates the game’s expansion strategy is well underway.
Kakao Games, the largest shareholder in Nimble Neuron’s parent company Neptune, is expected to benefit indirectly from the approval. Eternal Return has garnered attention for its unique gameplay mechanics and strong community engagement, and its entry into the Chinese market is poised to amplify its global impact.
Additionally, several other popular game IPs, including Uncharted Waters, MU, and Ragnarok, were also listed in the recent licensing approvals. However, the specific titles associated with these IPs have yet to be confirmed.
China’s licensing system for foreign games remains highly selective, and approval signifies a significant step forward for these titles in accessing the lucrative Chinese gaming market. The inclusion of Seven Knights Idle Adventure and Eternal Return highlights the growing global influence of South Korean-developed games.
Sayart / Jack Lee, wangjb77@gmail.com
Courtey of Netmarble
Netmarble’s Seven Knights Idle Adventure and Nimble Neuron’s Eternal Return have been granted foreign game licenses, or “import game approvals,” by China’s National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA). The announcement, made on December 23, marks a significant milestone for both titles in expanding their reach into the Chinese gaming market.
Seven Knights Idle Adventure (集合吧七骑士), a mobile game serviced by Netmarble and developed by its subsidiary Netmarble Nexus, is based on the popular Seven Knights intellectual property (IP). The game incorporates an idle system and launched globally in September 2023, excluding select regions such as South Korea and China. It has been particularly successful in South Korea, where it reached second place in Google Play’s revenue rankings. Its anticipated entry into China is expected to further cement its position in the global mobile gaming market.
Meanwhile, Nimble Neuron’s Eternal Return (永恒轮回), a PC-based battle royale game with MOBA elements, also received a license. This marks the second time the IP has secured approval from Chinese regulators, following a July 2022 license granted for a mobile version of the game. That version was developed by a local Chinese studio, with Nimble Neuron overseeing quality control. The latest approval for the PC version indicates the game’s expansion strategy is well underway.
Kakao Games, the largest shareholder in Nimble Neuron’s parent company Neptune, is expected to benefit indirectly from the approval. Eternal Return has garnered attention for its unique gameplay mechanics and strong community engagement, and its entry into the Chinese market is poised to amplify its global impact.
Additionally, several other popular game IPs, including Uncharted Waters, MU, and Ragnarok, were also listed in the recent licensing approvals. However, the specific titles associated with these IPs have yet to be confirmed.
China’s licensing system for foreign games remains highly selective, and approval signifies a significant step forward for these titles in accessing the lucrative Chinese gaming market. The inclusion of Seven Knights Idle Adventure and Eternal Return highlights the growing global influence of South Korean-developed games.
