The following has been sent to Inven Global as a press release.

PANGYO, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 - Today, KRAFTON Inc., responsible for entertainment properties such as PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG) and TERA, announced that its development studio, Bluehole, will be made into its own independent subsidiary of the company. This announcement is a direct result of KRAFTON’s vision for an independent studio system that seeks to empower its development teams with the autonomy to build their own unique identities and pursue their own creative visions. 

When Bluehole Studios was founded in 2008, it was created with the vision of becoming a distinguished MMORPG developer. That vision was eventually manifested with the launch and success of TERA. Since then, the company has grown and evolved over time before rebranding to KRAFTON in 2018. During that time, Bluehole continued to live on as a development studio under the KRAFTON umbrella.

As an independent subsidiary, Bluehole will now refocus its development efforts on upholding its founding principles of creating and servicing premier MMORPG experiences. Development of TERA will continue alongside the studio’s upcoming flagship title, Elyon (formerly known as Ascent: Infinite Realm). Set in a world filled with technology and magic, Elyon is a groundbreaking MMORPG that features a dynamic combat system that will be put to good use throughout its various PvP and PvE modes, including massive Realm vs Realm siege battles.

Doo-in Cho, who currently serves as Creative Director for Elyon and the Division Head of KRAFTON’s Quality Assurance team, will lead the new Bluehole subsidiary. With over 20 years of experience, Cho built his development career across several companies prior to KRAFTON, including Phantagram and NEOWIZ.

KRAFTON plans to announce more around its independent studio system in the future, which will ensure synergy between the parent company and its studios. The adoption of the independent studio system represents the evolution of KRAFTON’s recent business activities, which include new investments, the establishment of new studios, and the diversification and expansion of its IP business, which includes a recent investment in Hidden Sequence, a Korean drama production company. 

For more information on KRAFTON, please visit https://www.krafton.com