Nexon is attempting to share some 'context' with a legion of developers as we stare down the barrel of the AI era.

Nexon officially kicked off the 'Nexon Developers Conference 2026 (NDC26)' on the 16th. What began as a modest internal gathering back in 2007 has evolved—since opening its doors to the public in 2011—into a veritable festival aimed at fostering collective growth across the gaming industry.

This year's NDC26 leans heavily into AI-centric sessions to keep pace with the shifting tech landscape. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the latest practical AI applications in game development, alongside panel discussions where experts clash and collaborate on their varying perspectives.

During the opening ceremony, Nexon Japan CEO Lee Jung-hun didn't mince words: "Many equate the shift toward AI to the internet revolution of the early 90s or even the Industrial Revolution," he noted, insisting that "AI is an inevitable, definitive change." He challenged developers standing at the heart of this transition to consider how they ought to face it, emphasizing that one's attitude in the AI era is paramount.

When everyone is handed the same tool, he argued, the difference lies in discernment and judgment—qualities born from a deep understanding and empathy for the user. His advice? Don't just compete with AI; treat it as a top-tier tool, and focus on cultivating the sharp eye needed to decide what’s truly worth building.

In the subsequent keynote, Nexon Korea CEO Kang Dae-hyun pointed out the harsh reality: "Technological leaps are causing a supply explosion, but user time remains finite, narrowing the path to market success." He added, "Just like the standardization of commercial engines or the establishment of digital distribution, we are entering an era where anyone can churn out results. Now, the weight of value is shifting from simple 'implementation' to 'the depth of context.'"

This depth, he stressed, isn't built through repetitive tasks or fragmented workflows, but through 'Contextual Capital (Accumulated Intelligence)'—an asset forged by time and trust. It’s a unique intelligence proprietary to game studios that no amount of prompting or cash can replicate. To illustrate, Kang showed an AI's attempt to design a 'cute hat for a MapleStory character.' A generic prompt produced a basic hat with a maple leaf, while an AI trained on the game's actual context successfully blended 20 years of iconic style with the 'Pink Bean' character, perfectly highlighting why context matters.

To help navigate this AI-driven future, NDC 26 is rolling out 51 sessions across nine fields. Expect insights from the teams behind MapleStory, Dungeon & Fighter, and Mabinogi Mobile, as well as the folks at Embark Studios, who are sharing their experiences with machine learning and data analytics. The event also features panel talks with industry experts and an offline game art exhibition.

Lee concluded, "No matter how much technology evolves, users will always remember and return to games that are fun. I hope NDC serves as a moment to reflect on that core essence and push our thinking to new depths."

For more information on NDC26, you can visitthe official NDC websiteto find out more.