Seoul: South Korea's leading online gaming firm Nexon Co. reported a significant 41 percent increase in its third-quarter net profit, driven by gains in foreign exchange. The company's net profit for the July-September period reached 358.4 billion won (US$244.6 million), compared to 253.7 billion won in the same period last year, according to a regulatory filing by the Japan-listed firm.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Nexon experienced a decline in operating profit by 27 percent year-on-year to 352.4 billion won, with sales dropping 12 percent to 1.1 trillion won. The company attributed the notable increase in net profit to gains from the appreciation of the yen. However, sluggish sales of its games Dungeon and Fighter Mobile and The First Descendant contributed to the 12 percent decline in quarterly sales.

In contrast, MapleStory saw a 61 percent surge in revenue, maintaining its popularity in South Korea. Nexon's online football game franchise, FC Online, also recorded steady sales growth after a recent content update, adding to the company's performance.

Nexon anticipates improved earnings in the fourth quarter, following the early approval of its new title, ARC Raiders, launched on October 30. Additionally, the company's upcoming game lineup, including titles such as The Finals, Dave the Diver, and Project DX, is expected to support future earnings growth.