After a year packed with a dizzying array of titles spanning every conceivable genre and platform, the dust has finally settled on the Korea Game Awards. The Grand Prize went to Devcat’s Mabinogi Mobile. It’s quite the legacy for the IP, which previously snagged the Top Excellence Award for the original Mabinogi in 2004 and the Grand Prize for Mabinogi Heroes back in 2010.

Launched on March 27, Mabinogi Mobile is Devcat's take on the MMORPG formula. By drawing on the two decades of history from Nexon’s flagship Mabinogi, the team managed to distill the original’s charm and life-sim elements into a modern mobile experience. Notably, the UI/UX is quite clever, allowing for seamless switching between landscape and portrait modes to suit your playstyle.

It seems to have struck a chord with the younger crowd, as the Gen Z demographic (teens and 20-somethings) makes up over 70% of the player base. With cumulative revenue already crossing the 300 billion won mark, the team is now setting its sights on a global expansion, including a Japanese release slated for next year.

Reflecting on the long development cycle, Devcat CEO Kim Dong-gun said, "It’s been a long road, and I’m deeply grateful to the team at Devcat and the unwavering support from Nexon. Most of all, I want to share this honor with the adventurers and Miletian players who have stood by us."

The Top Excellence Award went to Neople’s The First Berserker: Khazan. CEO Yoon Myung-jin shared his thoughts: "As this was our first foray into a package game, we are truly humbled and thrilled by this recognition. I’d like to thank my colleagues, fellow directors, the awards committee, G-STAR, and our partners at Nexon, not to mention my family for their constant support."

The Excellence Award was shared by three titles: Netmarble Nexus’s mobile RPG Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, Netmarble N2’s PC/mobile MMORPG RF Online, and Neowiz’s action RPG Lies of P: Prelude. Netmarble Nexus also walked away with the Popularity Award, which is decided by player votes.

In other categories, the Good Game Award went to JamJam Therapeutics for JamJam 400: Pinkfong and Friends, recognized for its contribution to pediatric rehabilitation. The Startup Award was given to Dobby Canvas. Technical awards were handed out as well: Devcat’s Mabinogi Mobile took home prizes for Planning/Scenario and Sound; Neople’s The First Berserker: Khazan for Design; and Neowiz’s Lies of P: Prelude for Character.

The Social Contribution Award went to NX3 Games, the developer of Smilegate’s Lord Nine, for their various community-focused events. Additionally, voice actor Lee Hyun, known for his work as Blade Phantom in The First Berserker: Khazan, picked up the Popularity Voice Actor Award.

Other notable mentions include Jung Ja-rang of KeSPA, who was awarded for eSports development. Lizard Smoothie’s Shape of Dreams won the Indie Game Award, with CEO Shim Eun-seop also taking home the Outstanding Developer award. Finally, the Achievement Award was presented to Kang Shin-chul, former chairman of the Korea Association of Game Industry.