NCsoft has reported its earning for the first quarter of 2009 and the company has seen sharp quarter-to-quarter increases in sales, operating profit and net profit. According to a press release, on a consolidated basis sales came to $107.7 million, which is a 34% quarter-to-quarter increase; operating profit came to $34.3 million, a 221% increase; and net profit came to $27 million, a 422% increase.

In first quarter sales by region, Korea brought in $72 million, which is incredibly high compared to Japan's $14.6 million and North America's $8.7 million. According to the release, "The successful launch of Aion influenced sales growth in Korea and expected sales of the Lineage series increased the significance of Japan. On the other hand, a decrease in Guild Wars sales due to no retail expansion package releases this quarter led to a drop of sales in the North American and European regions."

Quarter-to-quarter sales of Lineage and Lineage II increased 23% and 33%, respectively. Sales of Aion jumped up 34%, while sales of City of Heroes and Guild Wars stayed low at 5% and 3%, respectively. You can read the full press release after the jump.

Seoul, South Korea -- May 11, 2009 -- NCsoft® Corporation (KSE: 036570.KS) today reported earnings results for 2009 Q1. On a consolidated basis, sales came to KRW 133.4 billion ($USD 107.7 million/€EUR 79.2 million), operating profit KRW 42.5 billion ($USD 34.3 million/€EUR 25.2 million), and net profit KRW 33.5 billion ($USD 27.0 million/€EUR 19.9 million). Sales, operating profit, and net profit showed sharp escalations with an increase of 34%, 221% and 422% respectively quarter over quarter (QoQ).

NCsoft explained that substantial increase in profit was based on solid maintenance of Lineage and Lineage II sales, in addition to Aion sales. The decrease in marketing spend and the narrow increase in operating costs QoQ (6%) resulted in the drastic growth of operating profit.

By region, first quarter sales came to KRW 89.2 billion in Korea ($USD 72.0 million/€EUR 53.0 million), KRW 10.8 billion in North America ($USD 8.7 million/€EUR 6.4 million) KRW 4 billion in Europe ($USD 3.2 million/€EUR 2.3 million), KRW 18.1 billion in Japan ($USD 14.6 million/€EUR 10.7 million), KRW 3.9 billion in Taiwan ($USD 3.1 million/€EUR 2.3 million), and KRW 7.4 billion ($USD 5.9 million/€EUR 4.3 million) from royalties. The successful launch of Aion influenced sales growth in Korea and expected sales of the Lineage series increased the significance of Japan. On the other hand, a decrease in Guild Wars sales due to no retail expansion package releases this quarter led to a drop of sales in the North American and European regions.

By game titles, sales of Lineage, Lineage II, Aion, City of Heroes®,  and Guild Wars® increased 23%, 33%, 34%, 5% and 3% quarter to quarter to KRW 29.4 billion, KRW 41.1 billion, KRW 42.6 billion, 6.8 billion and KRW 4.3 billion respectively.

NCsoft's CFO Jaeho Lee said, "Aion has solidified its position as a new growth force without encroaching sales of the Lineage series. Starting with its service in China in Q2, we are ready for a successful launch of this triple-A franchise in Japan, Taiwan, North America and Europe within the second half of the year.”

NCsoft is expected to carry out large-scale updates for Lineage and Lineage II worldwide in the coming months. In Eastern territories NCsoft expects to begin beta tests for Punch Monster, Dragonica, Steel Dog and Metal Black within the year.