Nexon Launches Team Programming Competition for University Students as NYPC Marks 10th Anniversary
Korean gaming company debuts first university-level coding battle alongside traditional youth competition
Gaming giant Nexon has opened registration for two programming competitions: a new team-based "NYPC Code Battle" for university students and the milestone 10th annual Nexon Youth Programming Challenge (NYPC 2025). The announcement signals an expansion of Nexon's educational outreach as the company celebrates a decade of youth coding initiatives.
The NYPC Code Battle introduces Korea's first team-strategy programming competition format. Unlike traditional individual coding contests, teams of 1-4 university students will develop strategic algorithms to compete in game-like environments.
Eligibility requirements include current undergraduate enrollment or age 20-25 (born 2001-2006). Registration opens July 7 through August 18 at https://battle.nypc.co.kr.
The competition structure features two rounds with single, open-ended problems rather than predetermined solutions. Online rounds run August 8-18, with top 20 teams advancing to finals at Nexon's Pangyo headquarters on October 25.
A preview event called "Code Battle: Campus League" offers mini-games to familiarize participants with the competition format before the main event.
NYPC 2025 maintains its established format for ages 12-19 (born 2007-2014). Registration runs until August 11 at www.nypc.co.kr.
The three-round structure includes:
- Round 1: August 7-11 (online, absolute evaluation)
- Round 2: August 17 and 23 (time-limited online)
- Finals: October 25 (co-located with Code Battle finals)
Since 2016, NYPC has attracted over 17,000 students by incorporating Nexon's gaming expertise into coding problems. Rather than abstract programming exercises, participants solve practical challenges using familiar game contexts like MapleStory character identification systems.
Nexon co-CEOs Kang Dae-hyun and Kim Jung-wook emphasized expanding educational opportunities as the company marks its 30th anniversary. Co-CEO Kang stated plans to "maximize Nexon's distinctive strengths and undertake more of what 'Only Nexon can do.'"
The university-level addition addresses participant requests for continued engagement beyond high school, creating an educational pathway from teenage introduction through young adult specialization.
Nexon's 10th anniversary celebrations include "NYPC 10th Anniversary FESTA" featuring lectures and events for alumni and prospective participants. The company will operate an "NYPC Goods Shop" with proceeds supporting charitable causes.
Beyond programming competitions, Nexon Foundation operates 130 public libraries for underserved communities and contributed over $18 million toward Korea's first pediatric rehabilitation hospital.
The expanded competition format reflects growing industry recognition that coding education requires sustained, multi-year engagement rather than one-time events. By bridging high school and university programming education, Nexon positions itself as a long-term partner in Korea's tech talent development.
Both competitions conclude with joint ceremonies in October, symbolically linking the company's decade of youth education with its vision for the next generation of Korean programmers.
