Nexon and Krafton shared their experiences with the challenges of implementing AI transformation (AX) during a panel discussion at the Nexon Developer Conference (NDC) 2026. Both companies emphasized the importance of establishing a sustainable operational framework that considers costs, security, user experience, and organizational expansion, rather than simply rushing to adopt AI tools. They noted that AX in the gaming industry involves redefining human roles and the essence of game development, rather than merely improving efficiency.
Kang Deok-won, head of Nexon's AI division, and Im Kyung-young, VP of Krafton, participated in the session moderated by Professor Kim Sang-kyun of Kyung Hee University on June 18 at the Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center in Pangyo, Seongnam.
Kang explained that while Nexon considered a company-wide implementation of specific AI tools, it is adjusting the pace due to operational burdens and cost concerns. He stated, "What is technically possible is different from what is actually sustainable," adding that tools meant to assist work should not become a nuisance due to settings or updates.
According to Kang, Nexon is promoting AX through a bottom-up approach, encouraging employees to voluntarily create and share AI use cases. The company operates an AI community with over 3,000 participants, where members share their experiences and new initiatives involving AI.
However, Kang noted that voluntary expansion alone may not sufficiently address speed differences between organizations. To tackle this, Nexon's AI division monitors the AX levels of different teams and provides tailored case studies and technical support to those lagging behind.
Krafton has focused on creating an environment where frontline employees can experiment with AI applications. Im remarked, "It is difficult for central organizations to determine which methodologies are correct," emphasizing the importance of providing a foundation for practitioners to experience and make their own judgments.
Krafton has established positions to assist teams in utilizing AI and created a separate portal to share results from the AX process. Im noted, "We designed it like an app store, allowing members to easily access the results they need," and mentioned plans to expand it into a marketplace in the future.
Both companies identified AI costs as a common challenge. Kang stated, "AI costs are one of the hottest topics," emphasizing that measuring how these costs translate into valuable work is a greater challenge than the costs themselves.
In this regard, Nexon is preparing a system to analyze the effectiveness of AI costs by integrating token usage, utilization patterns, and project progress. If AI utilization leads to shorter project timelines or quicker resolution of user inconveniences, the increase in token costs could be justified.
Krafton has developed a dashboard that provides a comprehensive view of token costs, enterprise tool expenses, and individual subscription support costs. Im believes that management strategies should vary based on the AI utilization maturity of each organization. For those with less experience in AI, encouragement to use it more is essential, while organizations that have made significant progress should be guided to consider cost efficiency.
Kang and Im highlighted that the gaming industry's AX differs from other sectors due to its focus on 'fun' and 'creativity.' Kang stated, "The gaming industry ultimately creates fun, and there are no right answers to fun," stressing the importance of defining what humans must do rather than what AI can replace. He believes that AX in the gaming industry can redefine human roles and values beyond mere efficiency.
Im also assessed that the gaming industry is relatively favorable for AI adoption. Unlike finance or commerce, which face strong regulatory and governance issues, the gaming sector allows for greater creative experimentation. He added, "If AI reduces the time spent on repetitive asset creation, developers can focus more on creative tasks."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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