NCsoft confirms NC West formation

NCsoft has confirmed earlier reports by GamesIndustry.biz that it is to unify its operations outside of Korea under the tentative banner of NC West.

The new wholly-owned subsidiary will take responsibility for activities in the US and European regions and will be headed up by Chris Chung, who has been named as CEO.

Jeff Strain will become president of product development for the new company, with David Reid as president of publishing and Patrick Wyatt as CTO, with a new headquarters set to be established in Seattle by the end of this year.

No announcements have yet been made regarding the positions of European executives such as Geoff Heath, although GamesIndustry.biz understands that the previously-planned product development in the Brighton office has been halted, with as many as 70 staff made redundant today.

The statement made by the company with respect to the formation of NC West made no specific mention of whether or not NC Austin's future was secure, or which jobs would be based in Seattle, amid earlier reports that some positions would be axed.

"We are confident that by combining our subsidiaries into a unified global organisation under Chris Chung's leadership, NC West will become a more powerful force to be reckoned with in the western MMO market," said NCsoft CEO TJ Kim. "Chris has become a guiding force within our company and has been extremely successful at every position he has held with us. His detailed first-hand knowledge of all aspects of our business is invaluable and will help establish NC West as a global leader."

The move follows a troubled period for NCsoft, amid falling revenues and an under-par performance from the much-hyped Western-developed Tabula Rasa.