TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEXON Co., Ltd (“Nexon”) (3659.TO), a worldwide leader in free-to-play online games, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, NEXON Korea Corporation (“Nexon Korea”), will develop a mobile version of the legendary MMORPG FINAL FANTASY® XI with renowned Japanese game developer SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD (“SQUARE ENIX”). The game is expected to be released in 2016.

Nexon Korea will leverage FINAL FANTASY XI’s compelling storyline, engaging content and impressive graphics while optimizing features for smartphone and mobile devices to create an immersive, responsive and dynamic experience for mobile users. These optimizations will include improving party organizing systems, enriching solo-play functionality, improving battle functionality and enhancing in-game events and features.

“We are thrilled to partner with SQUARE ENIX to bring this amazing franchise to mobile audiences around the world,” said Owen Mahoney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexon. “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with SQUARE ENIX by adding one of their most successful titles to our portfolio, as we continue to leverage our game development and global publishing expertise to provide high-quality experiences to gamers around the world.”

“Developing a high-quality mobile adaptation of FINAL FANTASY Ⅺ with Nexon, with an extensive track record of successfully collaborating with global partners, is a great opportunity for SQUARE ENIX,” said Yosuke Matsuda, President and Chief Executive Officer of SQUARE ENIX. “Through this partnership, FINAL FANTASY XI, which has enjoyed 13 years of noteworthy success on game console and PC, will make a significant step onto the mobile platform.”

FINAL FANTASY XI Mobile will be available in Japan, Korea, North America, and other Europe and Asia area.

©2002-2015 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

About NEXON Co., Ltd. http://company.nexon.co.jp/

NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO) is a worldwide leader in free-to-play online games. Founded in Korea in 1994, Nexon developed one of the world's first graphics-based massively multiplayer online games. Nexon also pioneered the concept of microtransactions and the free-to-play business model, setting a new standard in which play is free, and users have the option to purchase in-game items to enhance their experience. Nexon currently services nearly 150 titles in more than 150 countries since its founding. The Company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and its shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

About SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

Square Enix Co., Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content around the world. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 110 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 64 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 42 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Co., Ltd. can be found at http://www.jp.square-enix.com/.

About FINAL FANTASY Ⅺ

* Released: May 16, 2002

* Achievements:

FINAL FANTASY XI is a MMORPG which launched May 2002 in Japan, October 2003 in North America and September 2004 in Europe.

Since its debut in 2002, a number of extra content have been released including 6 additional scenarios and 5 expansion packs, such as Rise of the Zilart® (2003/4), Chains of Promathia® (2004/9), Treasures of Aht Urhgan® (2006/4), Wings of the Goddess® (2007/11) and Seekers of Adoulin® (2013/3). FINAL FANTASY XI has been attracting numerous players all over the world.