GCL Acquired 20% of NEKCOM Inc. and Obtained Global Publishing Rights for its Upcoming Game “SHOWA AMERICAN STORY”
Rhea-AI Summary
GCL Global Holdings (NASDAQ: GCL) has announced two strategic moves: the acquisition of 20% equity interests in NEKCOM Inc. through Series B Preferred Stock, and securing global publishing rights for NEKCOM's upcoming game 'Showa American Story' through its publishing arm 4Divinity.
The transaction, completed on December 18, 2024, resulted in GCL's Group Chairman, Jacky Choo See Wee, joining NEKCOM's Board of Directors. The upcoming game features a 19-year-old stuntwoman named Chouko in an alternate reality where Japan has colonized America, combining 80's pop culture elements with RPG gameplay.
The game, set for release in 2025, will feature fast-paced combat against monsters and humans, along with RV customization mechanics. This partnership aims to expand GCL's global publishing inventory while supporting NEKCOM's creative vision.
Positive
- Acquired 20% strategic stake in game developer NEKCOM
- Secured global publishing rights for new game 'Showa American Story'
- Gained board representation at NEKCOM
- Expanded gaming portfolio with anticipated 2025 game release
Negative
- None.
Insights
This strategic move by GCL represents a sophisticated dual-pronged approach to value creation in the gaming sector. The 20% equity stake in NEKCOM provides direct exposure to the studio's future success, while the global publishing rights for 'Showa American Story' secure immediate revenue potential through distribution channels.
The game's unique premise taps into several current market trends: the rising popularity of Japanese-influenced gaming content globally, the nostalgic appeal of 80's pop culture (which has proven successful with titles like Cyberpunk 2077), and the growing demand for action RPGs with distinctive narrative elements. The RV customization feature adds a live-service component that could drive post-launch monetization through downloadable content (DLC) and microtransactions.
From a strategic perspective, this investment positions GCL advantageously in three ways:
- Vertical integration through both development and publishing capabilities
- Geographic diversification by bridging Asian development talent with global markets
- Portfolio expansion into the action RPG genre, which has shown consistent growth and resilience
The appointment of GCL's Chairman to NEKCOM's board suggests a hands-on approach to strategic alignment and intellectual property development, potentially facilitating technology transfer and market expertise sharing between the companies. This governance structure could accelerate NEKCOM's market penetration while providing GCL with early access to innovative game concepts.
The timing of the release in 2025 aligns with projected growth in the global gaming market, particularly in the action RPG segment. The cultural fusion concept of 'Showa American Story' could resonate strongly with both Eastern and Western audiences, potentially creating a new sub-genre that combines B-movie aesthetics with Japanese gaming sensibilities.
SINGAPORE, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GCL Global Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ: GCL) (“GCL” or the “Company”), a leading provider of games and entertainment, today announced the acquisition of
GCL Acquires
GCL acquired
Effective at the close of the transaction on December 18, 2024, Jacky Choo See Wee, GCL’s Group Chairman, became a Director on NEKCOM’s Board of Directors.
GCL Obtains Global Publishing Rights for Upcoming Release “Showa American Story”
GCL’s publishing arm, 4Divinity, has obtained the global publishing rights for NEKCOM’s upcoming game, “Showa American Story.”
The new role-playing game is an enthusiastic love letter to 80's pop culture featuring a string of cult classic B-Movies. Playing as 19-year-old stuntwoman, Chouko, gamers will join her on a journey of truth and revenge across a version of North America where the United States is an unofficial colony of Japan.
The game features a free-flowing and brutal combat style where gamers are pitted against monsters and humans in fast-paced combat situations. As Chouko travels across the continent in the big RV she calls home, gamers can create ongoing customizations and upgrades to the camper.
“We are excited for the opportunity to support and encourage game designers’ creativity through this partnership with NEKCOM,” said Sebastian Toke, GCL’s Group CEO. “GCL was drawn to NEKCOM because we believe that its founder and lead producer, Xiangyu Luo, is one of the brightest sparks in China’s gaming industry with great potential, and we look forward to capitalizing on value generating opportunities through the expansion of our global publishing inventory."
NEKCOM founder Xiangyu Luo also stated, "The collaboration with GCL is a game-changing move. Their proactive attitude, combined with their proven track record, allows us to elevate our vision to a new level. With their support, we are not just developing a game—we are creating Showa American Story, an experience that we believe will resonate with players and thrive in the market."
The game is currently expected to be released in 2025.
About GCL Global Holdings Ltd
GCL Global Holdings Ltd. unites people through immersive games and entertainment experiences, enabling creators to deliver engaging content and fun gameplay experiences to gaming communities worldwide with a strategic focus on the rapidly expanding Asian gaming market.
Drawing on a deep understanding of gaming trends and market dynamics, GCL Group leverages its diverse portfolio of digital and physical content to bridge cultures and audiences by introducing Asian-developed IP to a global audience across consoles, PCs, and streaming platforms.
Learn more at http://www.gclglobalholdings.com.
About NEKCOM
NEKCOM, founded in 2011, develops uniquely distinctive, creative, and captivating console and PC games for PS4, PS5, PSVR, XBOX, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. NEKCOM has offices in New York, Los Angeles and a game development center in Wuhan, China. For more information, please visit www.nekcomgames.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements may also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, the estimated implied enterprise value of the Company, GCL’s ability to scale and grow its business, the advantages and expected growth of the Company, and the Company’s ability to source and retain talent. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of GCL’s management and are not predictions of actual performance.
These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although GCL believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, GCL cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. In addition, there are risks and uncertainties described in the proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement relating to the recent business combination, filed by the Company with the SEC on December 31, 2024 and other documents which will be filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. GCL cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. There may be additional risks that GCL presently knows or that GCL currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the views of GCL as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. However, while GCL may update these forward-looking statements in the future, there is no current intention to do so, except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the views of GCL as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, GCL does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements.
GCL Investor Relations:
Crocker Coulson
crocker.coulson@aummedia.org
(646) 652-7185
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f323a545-a217-4005-a0da-5c677cea1b6f
FAQ
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