Ghost in the Shell: SAC license now with Nexon

Free-to-play publisher Nexon has secured the rights to the critically-acclaimed anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.

Ausgamers reports the publisher will create a game based on the second season of the show, subtitled 2nd GIG, as well as TV movie sequel Solid State Society.

"We are very pleased to have given the opportunity to work with Kodansha in the development of games for the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex franchise, which is highly popular worldwide," Nexon CEO Seungwoo Choi said.

"We will add Nexon's wide-ranging experiences and know-how to the original creation in order to develop high quality games to meet the expectations of all its fans."

I've included that informationally destitute statement because it's the sum total of what we know about the upcoming game so far: nada.

Production I.G.'s Stand Alone Complex series and movies are a new take on the Ghost in the Shell world, made famous both by Masamune Shirow's manga and a 1995 film which stands alongside Akira as one of the key releases bringing anime to general western attention. As with almost all media based on the franchise, the series shares themes and characters but pays little heed to timelines established in other releases, so a game based closely on its story lines will be something of a novelty.

Korean multi-national Nexon is best-known for its free-to-play titles, which include Maple Story, Vindictus and Dungeon Fighter. It publishes and hosts western games like DOTA 2 and Warface in Asia as well as its more visible efforts in the reverse direction.