이 기사는 2022년 02월 21일 08시02분 thebell에 표출된 기사입니다

Netmarble has acquired Bono Technologies, a blockchain wallet provider, one month after its acquisition of blockchain gaming and non-fungible token (NFT) platform ITAM Games, a move seen as part of efforts by the South Korean game developer to expand into the blockchain industry.

Netmarble F&C, a subsidiary of Netmarble, said on Thursday that it acquired a 67% stake in Bono Technologies for 2.01 billion won ($1.68 million).

Netmarble F&C plans to utilize Bono Technologies' virtual asset storage and transmission technology for its blockchain-based game development, aiming to enhance convenience and stability of the metanomics ecosystem.

Netmarble said last month that it will pursue a two-track strategy in its blockchain business. Netmarble will continue to focus on game development and distribution while combining the blockchain technology. Netmarble F&C’s priority goal is to produce blockchain-based contents that encompass games, metahuman, and webtoons.

Netmarble F&C took over a 90% stake in ITAM Games in January, followed by the signing of memorandum of understanding with Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, for a strategic partnership.

Netmarble F&C plans to create games based on ITAM Games’ blockchain platform, while building a global Play to Earn (P2E) ecosystem and NFT offering through the partnership with Binance.

Some market insiders said the latest acquisition may help the company to launch its own digital wallet for virtual assets issued by Netmarble Group. Users of Wemade can store and exchange the local game maker’s digital coin Wemix via digital wallet Wemix Wallet.

Bono Technologies operates CoinUs, the first decentralized wallet in Korea to obtain ISMS (Information Protection Management System) certification. (Reporting by Yun-ju Roh)