MMO house NCsoft has reported strong growth during the first quarter of the year, driven by swift sales of Aion: The Tower of Eternity.

Sales hit KRW 133.4 billion ($107.7 million/€79.2 million), up 34 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, while operating profit and net profit rocketed 221 percent and 422 percent respectively, to KRW 42.5 billion ($34.3 million/€ 25.2 million) and KRW 33.5 billion ($27.0 million/€ 19.9 million).

NCsoft attributed the sharp rises to sales of MMORPG Aion, which debuted in Korea in November 2008, and to ongoing sales of Lineage and Lineage II.

“The successful launch of Aion influenced sales growth in Korea and expected sales of the Lineage series increased the significance of Japan,” said the firm. “On the other hand, a decrease in Guild Wars sales due to no retail expansion package releases this quarter led to a drop of sales in the North American and European regions.”

NCsoft's CFO Jaeho Lee said: "Aion has solidified its position as a new growth force without encroaching sales of the Lineage series. Starting with its service in China in Q2, we are ready for a successful launch of this triple-A franchise in Japan, Taiwan, North America and Europe within the second half of the year.”