Lineage M China Launch: NCsoft Secures Gaming License for Mobile MMORPG
NCsoft has received Chinese regulatory approval to launch Lineage M, setting the stage for the mobile MMORPG's entry into the world's largest gaming market. The Korean gaming company announced on June 27, 2025, that Lineage M obtained its Chinese gaming license on June 24, 2025.
The game will launch in China as "天堂：血统" (Paradise: Bloodline), supporting both mobile and PC platforms. Shanghai Xiaomingtaiji Network Technology will handle local publishing operations.
NCsoft plans comprehensive localization covering content planning, service operations, and communication strategies tailored to Chinese players. The company will announce specific launch dates and additional details progressively.
This approval represents a significant breakthrough for Korean gaming companies in China. Since a 2017 diplomatic dispute over South Korea's missile defense system, China has heavily restricted Korean content imports, with only two South Korean games receiving approval before recent changes.
Lineage M has dominated South Korean app store rankings for eight years since its 2017 launch, serving as a key driver in the MMORPG market. The franchise represents one of NCsoft's most valuable intellectual properties.
The Lineage franchise has generated substantial revenue, with the original PC game accumulating $1.8 billion by November 2013. Lineage M alone reached $2.8 billion in gross revenue by July 2020.
In NCsoft's most recent financial results, the Lineage franchise accounted for 70% of the company's total revenue, with Lineage M generating ₩106.9 billion ($78.4 million) in a single quarter.
NCsoft's China expansion comes as the company faces financial challenges. The company reported a consolidated annual revenue of KRW 1.58 trillion for 2024, with an operating loss of KRW 109.2 billion.
The Chinese gaming market presents enormous growth potential. Industry data shows Korean games released in China from June to September 2023 generated over 3 billion yuan ($422 million) in total revenue, establishing Korean titles as "a bright spot in the market."
This isn't NCsoft's first China venture - the company previously secured Chinese approval for other titles, including Lineage 2M, which partners with Tencent Games for distribution.
The Lineage M approval signals potential improvement in China-Korea gaming relations and could open doors for additional Korean titles in the Chinese market.
NCsoft maintains active community interaction through "Standby M" communication broadcasts and "Inside M" update celebration streams, where the company shares content development directions and incorporates user feedback through real-time chat interactions.
The successful launch of Lineage M in China could serve as a template for other Korean gaming companies navigating China's complex regulatory environment and capitalizing on market opportunities in the region.