NCSoft and Nexon Join AGF 2026, Bringing a Wave of New Games Including Korea Debut of ‘Astra Oratio’

Subculture games rise into the mainstream as major publishers mount global push

The Animation X Game Festival (AGF), South Korea’s largest comprehensive subculture event, is establishing itself as a mainstream gaming expo, with major game companies confirming their participation in force.

According to the gaming industry and AGF organizers on the 20th, NCSoft will participate in AGF for the first time as a main sponsor. Making genre diversification a key priority, NCSoft will spotlight Astra Oratio, a new game in development at South Korean startup Dynamis One. The game will make its domestic debut after its first showing at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) in September. The move follows the company’s presentation of Limit Zero Breakers by BigGameStudio at last year’s event, signaling its strong commitment to the subculture market.

Nexon is countering with a solid lineup. It will showcase two games: Parayidolia, in development at its subsidiary Nexon Games, and Azure Promilia by Chinese developer Manjuu Games. Parayidolia is an ambitious project from Nexon Games’ IO Headquarters, led by executive producer Kim Yong-ha, who spearheaded the success of Blue Archive. Following its appearance at TGS, the game will face close scrutiny from domestic visitors. Azure Promilia, published by Nexon, received favorable reviews at a closed beta test (CBT) in South Korea in May, demonstrating its hit potential.

Smilegate is also joining the event. Alongside Chaos Zero Nightmare, which officially launched in 2025 and has built a strong fan base, the company will unveil MIRESI: The Invisible Future, a new game in development at Control Nine, further establishing its position as a leading subculture publisher.

Other prominent companies from South Korea and abroad, including Neowiz, Google Play, Yostar and Team Tetrapod, will also welcome visitors at large booths.

Meanwhile, AGF 2026 will be held on the largest scale in the event’s history from Dec. 4 to 6 at Exhibition Hall 1 of KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.