If selected by The Nexon iNitiative program, you will earn a share of the $1 million allotted for game development (not really sure how much of that share you actually get), and you also get a shot at a Nexon publishing contract. Finalists will be selected in June 2010.

What are they looking for? PC-based games that encourage community and social interaction. Oh, and broad appeal. That another important part. (Basically, make another Maple Story.) Flash, client-based games or ports from other platforms are welcome. No good ideas will be turned away, but you have to submit them by April 30, 2010.

The Web site will begin taking game submissions immediately. Members of the Nexon America business development staff will be available at the Game Developer’s Conference in conference room 220 on March 10, 11 and 12 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

This past week, Nexon America has released its new free, arcade style water balloon filled multiplayer battle, PopTag! I had the opportunity to ask some questions of Jaeho Hwang, the producer of PopTag to gain a little insight into this seemingly cute, but frantic game. Enjoy!

GA: Firstly, can you tell me a little bit about your role with PopTag!?
JH: Hi, my name is Jaeho Hwang, and I’m the producer of PopTag!. Mainly, I used to be in charge of BnB Crazy Arcade (PopTag!), the Asian service for Nexon Korea, and I’m glad that I have the opportunity to introduce this amazing game to US market

GA: What is the idea or inspiration behind PopTag!?
JH: Many people compare the game to Bomberman, but if you get your hands on it, you will quickly see the difference. Trapping players in bubbles makes the game more competitive AND cooperative. You can tag your teammates to save them, or you can tag your opponents take them out of the game. Besides the PvP mode, you can also team up with your friends and fight the NPC boss in Monster Mode.

GA: How important was it to put together a totally free multiplayer arcade game – and is it totally free?
JH: I guess the reason that PopTag! is loved all over the world is because the game really is free. Of course there are cash items that make you look better or give you a boost in the game, but all you need to play well is skill. Although its old-school looking game, it has been serviced in many countries for a long time so you won’t have to deal with lag or hacking. Basically, you can just casually hop into the game and enjoy it anytime you want, for free.

GA: What kind of games do you enjoy playing?
JH: I personally enjoy all types of games, from Starcraft to Modern Warfare2. Although most of these games look different, I think the core fun factor is pretty similar. The reason I like PopTag! is because it delivers a competitive and cooperative fun factor very well – if you’re really into it, you will experience more excitement than many other games.

GA: Having not played too much, and reading the character descriptions, I think I can relate to Diz, which is your favorite PopTag! character?
JH: My favorite character is Boz because I can relate to the fact that he is a very sleepy-looking character, but still fast in the game. I like decorating the character so that he looks macho and moves around like a maniac. Don’t mess with me if you see me in the game.

GA: Any insider tips for playing the game?
JH: Start with Monster Mode, and get used to the timing. If you can use the Dart and Canned Food items at the right moment, you are on your way to being a pro.

GA: I know that this is the launch week for PopTag!, but what can users look forward to in the future to keep the game exciting?
JH: PopTag! has a bunch of items and modes that will be added to the game in the future. We won’t hold them back to tease players. We will listen to our players and roll things out in a timely manner. Please enjoy the game and let us know what you want to see!

Known as BnB Crazy Arcade in Asia, PopTag! is a more casual multiplayer game that can be played in battle or cooperative modes – whether you are playing with or against someone who is right nest to you or across the country – and there is even a way for you to share your bonuses with a “sweetie.”

Head on over to Poptag.com and check out the game, the shop, and the characters. I love that the producers want feedback and ideas from the players. Start playing PopTag! today, and let them – and us – know what you think! Thanks for reading!

Players will get several abilities in the game like being able to attack other players and monsters, using non-attack actions like healing their HP (hit points), adding items to their character, and taking on side quests. Users can customize the starter decks that come with the game, and booster packs can be bought using in-game points they earn while playing. There’s also a trade lobby so users can trade cards in real time or just make a post saying what they are looking for.

iTCG has a facebook fan page that you can become a fan of to view artwork, meet other players, and talk about the game. The iTCG site is located here. It looks like a great game for anyone that wants to play a trading card game but can’t afford the costly packs and decks.

Nexon America announced their third quarter revenues and found that they have jumped by 36%. Which is huge in an economic downtown and probably a sign of gamer’s excitement about Dungeon Fighter Online, MapleStory, Combat Arms and Mabinogi.

“We are on the verge of having a very strong year,” said Daniel Kim, Nexon America’s CEO. “It’s a testament to the quality and accessibility of our free-to-play games and the amount of new content we have been delivering to our customers. Our hard work has earned us a level of loyalty among our player base that cannot be matched.”

Nexon America also just announced the upcoming beta test for BlockParty.com, its new game portal/social network site.

Combat Arms

Nexon America’s Combat Arms is getting infected. Quarantine Mode is brand new to Combat Arms and players can fight as soldiers or as infected zombies. The mission then becomes to either destroy the infected or infect as many as possible.

“This isn’t the usual zombies invading, eating your brains type of scenario,” said Min Kim, Nexon America’s vice president of marketing. “In Quarantine Mode, the fun doesn’t end with fending off zombies. Even if you get infected, you can continue playing as a zombie and spread the zombie bug to your friends and other soldiers. This makes for a messy, gooey fun fight with only the stoutest soldier able to avoid becoming a chew toy.”

Players can try out the game at Combatarms.nexon.net