Free-to-play pioneer Nexon announced yesterday that they’ve struck an exclusive advertising deal with Integri, a leading video game and entertainment advertising representation company.  This is a first for Nexon, as up until now all advertising was done in house.  Under the terms of the agreement, Integri will represent and supply advertising opportunities for Nexon’s portfolio of games including MapleStory, Combat Arms, and Mabinogi.  This new partnership also obviously opens the doors for in-game advertising opportunities for Nexon as well.

According to the latest comScore reports, Integri offers advertisers and marketers an unparalleled edge in today’s online gaming and digital entertainment industry.  Nexon now finds itself in ‘heavy hitter’ territory as Integri currently has relationships with both Activision Vivendi and Sony Online Entertainment in their client list.  Targeting the coveted male (18 – 24) and female (25-54) consumer base, Integri creates customized, site specific and channel-wide opportunities designed to help each advertiser deploy tailored, integrated advertising campaigns, including banner ads, takeovers and in-game opportunities, across entertainment and specialized gaming categories including massively multiplayer online (MMO) and first person s hooter (FPS) genres.

“Nexon has always been a pioneer and leader in the free-to-play category,” said Jayson Dubin, president of Intergi. “Intergi’s exclusive and proprietary partnerships with a collection of today’s hottest online gaming and entertainment sites, offers one of the best point of entries to connecting with the coveted demographic of males 18-34 years old. Add our reach to Nexon’s market position and the possibilities for reaching gaming enthusiasts are endless.”

Nexon America, who by now should be a household name when it comes to free-to-play titles, has been cranking out hit after hit since arriving in Los Angeles 4 years ago.  Their breakthrough hit, MapleStory is still running strong today, and they’ve recently introduced a new fantasy inspired title named Mabinogi.  Nexon also operates Combat Arms, a fully free-to-play first person shooter that’s been a big hit with fans of the genre.

“Advertising is going to help Nexon America improve our services as a leader in free-to-play gaming,” said Min Kim, vice president of marketing for Nexon America. “Our user base is enthusiastic and growing, which makes us a great opportunity for marketers. And this partnership is going to allow us to improve the entire free-to-play experience for all Nexon gamers.”