Krafton acquires Ascent developer Neon Giant, working on new open-world FPS

Krafton, the South Korean publisher of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, recently shared the news that it has acquired The Ascent developer Neon Giant. With this, Neon Giant will join Krafton’s existing lineup of independent game studios including the aforementioned PUBG Studios, Striking Distance Studios (The Callisto Protocol), and Unknown Worlds (Subnautica).

Not only did Krafton acquire Neon Giant, it’s also noted in the company’s Q3 2022 earnings report that the developer is already working on a new open-world FPS title. Mention of this new game can be spotted on the eighth page of the company’s report. It's also included in an official press release from Krafton tied its Q3 2022 earnings report and the acquisition of Neon Giant.

Interestingly, the press release states that Krafton has a number of “high-quality console and PC titles in active development across various genres” including a new Subnautica game.

Prior to touching upon some of the projects currently in active development, Krafton also mentions that it plans to establish a “major studio in Canada” to help lead in the development of a project based around the Korean fantasy novel, The Bird That Drinks Tears by Lee Yeongdo. A link is included in the press release to a web page with additional information on the project and mention of how Krafton is “seeking partners” to help create the game.

Overall, it sounds like Krafton has a lot of exciting projects planned including a new open-world FPS from Neon Giant, new Subnautica game from Unknown Worlds, and a game inspired by The Bird That Drinks Tears. For more on Krafton’s plans, be sure to read through its Q3 2022 earnings report and accompanying press release.

For other Krafton-related news, check out some of our previous coverage including how The Callisto Protocol was canceled in Japan due to its inability to pass CERO Ratings Board, and how the Taliban were responsible for PUBG being banned in Afghanistan.