Nexon to shut down Crazy Arcade after 25 years

Nexon will shut down Crazy Arcade, the online game it launched in 2001, ending 25 years of service.

The company announced Thursday on its website that Crazy Arcade will go offline at 9 a.m. on Aug. 13.

"We are truly sorry for delivering such sudden news," the development team said. "We sincerely thank all the Crazy Arcade family members who have been with us, and we hope the memories you shared with us over the years will remain as cherished ones."

With the shutdown, paid product sales, premium PC bang benefits, the Fashion King BnB challenge event and the weekend event will all end following maintenance Thursday.

As a gesture of gratitude before the shutdown, the development team will also distribute characters and items previously sold as paid products free of charge. "Experience points and Lucci earnings will be permanently increased tenfold during the event period," the team said, adding that event reward items would be distributed through in-game missions upon login.

One of South Korea's longest-running online games, Crazy Arcade is the origin of the "Crazy Park" intellectual property franchise, which includes KartRider and Bubble Fighter. The shutdown reflects Nexon's broader push to wind down low-revenue projects; Crazy Arcade had contributed little to sales and attracted few new players.

"We will do our best to ensure there are no inconveniences during the remaining period and to provide timely follow-up support and guidance," the development team said.