GungHo Online Entertainment

GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. maintains a corporate structure involving two primary affiliated entities, Belleisle Japan Inc. and SON Financial LLC, as of December 31, 2025. Belleisle Japan Inc. serves as the most significant entity, holding an aggregate 22.44% of the company’s voting rights. This position is reinforced by its status as the parent company of SON Financial LLC, which also holds a 22.44% aggregate interest in GungHo through a combination of direct and indirect ownership.

Despite these significant equity stakes, GungHo Online Entertainment operates with full corporate autonomy. The company reports no existing business or human resource relationships with Belleisle Japan Inc. Furthermore, there are no constraints imposed by these affiliated shareholders on the company’s operational activities or strategic decision-making processes. This separation ensures that the company maintains its independence in all management functions.

The disclosure confirms that there are no reportable transactions between GungHo Online Entertainment and these controlling shareholders. By clarifying the ownership landscape and the lack of operational interference, the company provides transparency regarding its governance and the nature of its relationship with its largest stakeholders. This summary reflects the company’s official position on its corporate structure and the preservation of its independent business operations as of the March 2026 reporting period.

GungHo Online Entertainment’s FY 2025 financial briefing outlines a strategic pivot from Japan‑centric mobile development toward global expansion, emphasizing action titles on consoles and PCs. The company reports a 64.1 % overseas net‑sales ratio in FY 2025, up from 47.7 % in 2019 and 56.2 % in 2020, reflecting intensified sales in North America and Europe through new releases such as “Let It Die: Inferno” on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. The launch of nine global titles in 2025, including the “Ragnarok” series and “Puzzle & Dragons,” is highlighted as a key growth driver, with the latter celebrating its 5 000‑day anniversary and hosting cross‑platform events to boost user activity.

Financially, consolidated net sales fell by 1.3 % YoY to ¥125.3 billion, driven mainly by declines in mobile titles and “Ragnarok”‑related revenue under subsidiary Gravity. Operating profit contracted by 9.3 % YoY to ¥276 million, as SG&A expenses rose due to increased advertising spend and personnel costs following the full acquisition of Alim in December 2024. Non‑consolidated results remained flat, but mobile sales slipped and Gravity’s “Ragnarok” titles underperformed, contributing to the consolidated loss.

The briefing covers a global geographic scope—North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia—with a 2025 focus on launching titles in over 150 countries. Methodologically, data derive from consolidated financial statements and quarterly performance metrics, with a clear emphasis on aligning product development with international market demand.

GungHo Online Entertainment’s Vol. 42 report outlines the company’s strategic focus on expanding its two flagship intellectual properties—Puzzle & Dragons and Ragnarok—into global markets while sustaining robust financial performance. The report highlights that Puzzle & Dragons, launched in 2012, has achieved over 63 million downloads worldwide and continues to drive user engagement through frequent events, cross‑media collaborations, and a 13th‑anniversary release in May 2025. The Ragnarok franchise, managed by subsidiary Gravity Co., Ltd., has expanded from its original PC MMORPG roots to mobile and console titles, with recent releases such as Ragnarok X (PC/Android/iOS) and LUNAR Remastered Collection targeting Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other regions.

Financially, consolidated net sales rose from ¥125.3 billion in 2022 to ¥103.6 billion in 2024, with operating profit increasing from ¥27.9 billion to ¥17.5 billion over the same period. Overseas sales ratio climbed from 39.3 % in 2022 to 47.7 % in 2024, reflecting successful international penetration. The company maintained a dividend payout ratio above 30 % and executed treasury‑share repurchases totaling ¥9.86 billion in 2024, underscoring a commitment to shareholder value.

Methodologically, the report aggregates data from internal analytics on downloads, MAU, and revenue across more than 150 countries in 11 languages. It also references quarterly performance metrics and event‑based user activity to gauge engagement. Overall, the document presents a cohesive narrative of sustained growth through IP expansion, diversified platform presence, and disciplined financial management.

GungHo Online Entertainment’s board opposes all shareholder proposals presented by Strategic Capital and LIM Japan Event Master Fund at the 2026 Annual General Meeting. The board’s stance centers on preserving corporate value through prudent financial management and robust governance structures.

For shareholder‑return proposals, the board cites that two proposals would divert roughly 57 % of cash and deposits to dividends or treasury‑share buybacks, deemed excessive relative to the company’s operating environment. GungHo maintains a balanced return policy: a 4 % dividend‑on‑equity (DOE) target alongside a consolidated payout ratio of at least 50 %, with an ordinary dividend of ¥90.00 per share for FY 2025 and a planned treasury‑share acquisition up to ¥5 billion (≈3.9 % of issued shares). The board argues that these measures align with capital efficiency and long‑term value creation.

Governance proposals were rejected on the basis that GungHo already has a strong independent director framework—currently 40 % outside directors, rising to 50 % after the AGM—and that appointing an outside chair or chairman would undermine operational leadership. The board also defends its current dividend determination process, which allows flexibility between shareholder and board resolutions.

Other proposals, including changes to remuneration disclosure, sales‑by‑title reporting, and investigations into alleged misconduct, were dismissed because GungHo’s existing internal controls, external audit procedures, and disclosure practices already meet regulatory standards. The board concluded that none of the proposals would enhance corporate value, justifying its unanimous opposition.

Financial Results of Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025 [Japanese GAAP] (Consolidated) Name of listed company: GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. Stock exchange listing: Tokyo Stock Exchange URL: https://www.gungho.co.jp/en/ Representative: Kazuya Sakai, Representative Director & President, CEO Contact: Kazumasa Takayama, Corporate Officer, CFO & IRO, Executive General Manager of Corporate Planning Annual general shareholders’ meeting date: March 30, 2026 Securities report issuing date: March 1...

Ragnarok Online 3 is announced as a free‑to‑play smartphone and PC MMORPG that will launch in Japan on February 13, 2026. Developed by Gravity Co., Ltd. and Lee MyoungJin (studio DTDS) under GungHo Online Entertainment’s publishing umbrella, the title preserves core elements of the original Ragnarok series—job system, classic content, and atmospheric design—while introducing a modern art style and restructured systems that support global interaction and cooperative play. Seasonal updates will refresh status, skill building, and siege battles, offering continuous new experiences for both veteran players and newcomers.

The service will be available on iOS, Android, and PC (planned), with in‑game purchases. Distribution is managed by a consolidated subsidiary of Gravity, excluding certain regions, and preparations for the Japanese launch are underway. GungHo emphasizes its commitment to high‑quality content and global expansion, aligning with its philosophy of pursuing new challenges and product creation.

GungHo Online Entertainment, headquartered in Chiyoda‑ku, Tokyo, was founded in 1998 and reported paid‑in capital of ¥5.338 billion as of December 31, 2025. The announcement includes standard legal and trademark notices for Apple, Google, and related brands. Press inquiries are directed to GungHo’s IR group via [email protected].

GungHo Online Entertainment reported a 10 % decline in consolidated net sales to ¥93,242 million for fiscal year 2025, with operating profit falling 71.1 % to ¥5,056 million and attributable profit dropping 87.4 % to ¥1,407 million. The downturn is attributed to higher development costs and a flat mobile‑gaming market, while total assets increased to ¥169,474 million. Cash balances fell sharply to ¥31,021 million due to significant investing and financing outflows, notably treasury‑share repurchases. In response, the company announced a revised shareholder‑return policy that targets a 30 %+ dividend payout ratio and sets an ordinary dividend of ¥90.00 per share for FY 2025, signalling a shift toward more proactive profit distribution.

The new policy adopts a dual approach of stable dividends and flexible share buybacks. It aims for a 4 % dividend‑on‑equity (DOE) and a consolidated payout ratio of at least 50 %, while buybacks will be executed as capital‑efficiency measures based on board decisions and market conditions. This change takes effect from the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

Profitability metrics deteriorated sharply: net profit per share fell from ¥182.67 to ¥25.79, and fully‑diluted net profit per share declined similarly; net assets per share decreased modestly from ¥2,280.75 to ¥2,242.37. Net sales remained concentrated in Japan (¥31.8 bn) and Asia, with Indonesia now reported separately at ¥3.6 bn after reclassification from the broader “Asia” category. The company also approved a 2026 treasury‑share repurchase program of up to ¥5 bn for 2.1 million shares, followed by a cancellation of 16 million shares to improve capital efficiency.

GungHo Online Entertainment reported a significant decline in financial performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Consolidated net sales fell 10.0% year-on-year to 93,242 million yen, while operating profit plummeted 71.1% to 5,056 million yen. The downturn was primarily driven by a slowdown in non-consolidated sales from the flagship title Puzzle & Dragons, which suffered from fewer high-profile character collaborations compared to the previous year. Profitability was further pressured by rising labor costs following the full acquisition of Alim Co., Ltd. and increased bonus payments in the fourth quarter, leading to a quarterly operating loss of 811 million yen in the final period.

The geographic scope of operations remains centered in Japan, though subsidiary Gravity Co., Ltd. provided a strategic buffer through successful releases in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. While Puzzle & Dragons remains the company’s core asset with 63 million downloads in Japan as of April 2025, newer titles like Ragnarok M: Classic and Ragnarok: Twilight contributed to Gravity’s year-on-year revenue growth. Additionally, the company expanded its multi-platform presence with the December 2025 global launch of LET IT DIE: INFERNO on PlayStation 5 and PC.

Methodologically, the findings are based on consolidated financial statements and internal download tracking data. The results highlight a transition period for the company, characterized by a shifting sales mix and higher fixed costs. Despite the decline in annual net profit attributable to owners—which dropped 87.4% to 1,407 million yen—the company maintains a strong liquidity position with 130,474 million yen in cash and deposits, supporting continued investment in its long-term service titles and new global releases.

GungHo Online Entertainment is currently undergoing a fundamental strategic pivot, transitioning from a primary focus on the domestic Japanese mobile market toward a global, multi-platform distribution model. This evolution targets North America and Europe specifically through the development of action-oriented intellectual properties for console and PC. The success of this shift is evidenced by the dramatic rise in the overseas net sales ratio, which is projected to reach 66% in fiscal year 2025, up from just 11.4% in 2016. Key drivers for this international expansion include the upcoming launch of Let It Die: Inferno and the continued global scaling of the Ragnarok and Puzzle & Dragons franchises across more than 150 countries.

Despite this aggressive geographic expansion, the company faces immediate financial headwinds characterized by a contraction in consolidated net sales and operating profit. Quarterly performance data reveals a downward trajectory over a four-year period, with peak values declining from over 16,000 to approximately 7,750 in the most recent quarter. This downturn is largely attributed to softening sales of legacy mobile titles and a reactional decrease in revenue from the subsidiary Gravity. To stabilize these core assets, the company is utilizing high-profile collaborations with major brands such as Sanrio and Digimon to maintain domestic user engagement while simultaneously preparing for the launch of Ragnarok Online 3 in major Asian markets.

The long-term outlook centers on a diversified portfolio that balances established mobile revenue with new, high-scale global releases. While current financial indicators reflect a period of contraction and volatility, the commitment to 100-player raid mechanics in upcoming titles and the expansion of Ragnarok X: Next Generation into EMEA markets signal a move toward more technologically ambitious projects. Ultimately, the transition toward a global-first strategy represents a necessary adaptation to the maturing domestic mobile landscape, aiming to replace declining legacy revenue with sustainable growth from international console and PC audiences.

GungHo Online Entertainment’s 2026 management policy outlines a strategic leadership transition designed to accelerate global growth and enhance capital efficiency. Under the new structure, former CEO Kazuki Morishita transitions to a role focused exclusively on game development and pipeline expansion, while Kazuya Sakai, formerly the CFO, assumes the role of Representative Director, President, and CEO. This shift aims to balance creative output with disciplined financial management and improved dialogue with the equity market.

The strategy focuses on four primary pillars: realizing global hit products, optimizing company-wide costs, strengthening the collaborative relationship with subsidiary Gravity, and promoting capital market-attuned management. A key operational priority is restoring the frequency of IP collaboration events, which saw a significant decline in FY2025, to drive stable revenue. Additionally, the company is implementing a new HR system and cost-benefit analysis framework to improve resource allocation and talent development.

Financially, the policy introduces aggressive shareholder return measures and a refined cash allocation strategy. GungHo has established a new dividend policy based on a 4% Dividend on Equity (DOE) ratio, targeting a minimum payout ratio of 50%. For FY2025, the company scheduled an ordinary dividend of 90 yen per share, a significant increase from 60 yen in FY2024. Furthermore, the company announced a 5 billion yen share buyback and the cancellation of approximately 23.1% of its outstanding treasury shares.

The scope of this policy covers the company’s global operations with a specific emphasis on the Japanese market and its relationship with Gravity’s Ragnarok IP. Of the approximately 70 billion yen in non-consolidated cash and deposits, 50 billion yen is earmarked for development and maintenance over the next five years, with the remaining 20 billion yen split between growth investments, such as M&A, and shareholder returns. Governance is also being strengthened by increasing the proportion of independent outside directors to 50%.