[THE INVESTOR] Smilegate, the Korean online game developer best known for its popular shooting game “Crossfire,” said on Aug. 1 it has set up a new platform development unit Smilegate Stove.

The new unit is a spin-off from the group’s platform development and game publishing unit Smilegate Megaport that has recently been struggling from slowing profits.

The group said the new unit aims to develop a new platform that combines online and mobile games. Smilegate chairman Kwon Hyuk-beom will serve as the unit chief, pledging to pour more resources.

Smilegate Megaport will focus on game publishing and other services overall. The group’s development chief Jang Ina will take the helm.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)