Korea-based Webzen, one of Asia's biggest online-game developers and operators, said today it has added to its executives ranks in the US. Cindy Armstrong, formerly Sony Online Entertainment head of business development, has signed on as CEO of Webzen America. The US subsidiary, based in Los Angeles, is tasked with bringing Webzen's suite of games to Western markets.

At Sony Online, Armstrong was responsible for moving SOE's product line of games into foreign markets--with an emphasis on Asia. Her knowledge will be put to use, albeit in the reverse direction.

In a statement, Armstrong called the Webzen slate of games "unmatched by any other publisher," adding that she is looking forward "to helping the company deliver on its potential to exceed the expectations of North American online gamers."

Earlier this month, researchers at DFC Intelligence pegged the global online-game market at $2 billion in 2005. DFC expects that figure to climb to $6.8 billion by 2011. Webzen already owns a healthy portion of that market with MU Online, a game which is widely played in Asia but yet to gain a firm foothold in North America--although with Armstrong now in place, that could certainly change.

Webzen is also one of the few Korea-based companies committed to backing Western-developed games: The company is publishing UK-based Real Time Worlds' new online game APB, the cutting-edge massively MMO first-person shooter Huxley, and an upcoming title from start-up Red 5 Studios.

Webzen CEO Nam Ju Kim is leaning on his new CEO in the states, commenting that Armstrong is "tremendously qualified to help Webzen meet its goal of becoming a leading online-game company in all major markets worldwide."

UPDATE: GameSpot spoke with Armstrong shortly after the news of her hire was announced.

GameSpot: With investments in Western developers, Webzen seems to be a highly progressive operation. In what ways do you see the organization having a different approach from other Korea-based publishers and game operators?

Cindy Armstrong: I could talk for ever about all the success factors you’ll find here at Webzen America. But I will try to limit it to a few: timing, research, products and platforms. The US market is not an easy one to penetrate, regardless of which territory you are coming from, however we had the luxury of learning from those who came before us--both the failures and the success stories. Webzen committed to the U.S. after doing exhaustive research and developed a solid strategy. The company opened a wholly owned subsidiary, Webzen America, and began filling it with talent from the competition who know and understand online games.

At the same time, Webzen really diversified its product portfolio by making games in-house that cater to American and European gamers and partnering with Western developers Scotland-based Real Time Worlds and California-based Red 5 Studios. Also, as we believe in the phenomenal potential for online gaming on consoles, we are focused on bringing products to market that can go multi-and cross platform.

GS: What is the agenda of the US operation? Where do you see opportunity for Webzen here in the US?

CA: Our agenda is simple: become a top online games publisher and service provider in North America. We are currently building up for the launch of our first title, the fantasy MMORPG Soul of the Ultimate Nation. We'll follow SUN with the twitch-action MMOFPS Huxley and the urban action MMOG All Points Bulletin. Huxley and APB will be on both PC and Xbox 360, which is a huge opportunity for us as console gamers are going online more than ever before.

Not only are we going to gradually build momentum by spacing the games in terms of launch dates, but also in what should be broader appealing. The first game, SUN is more of the classic fantasy RPG proven to be successful in North America and Asia. Huxley is the first twitch-action MMOFPS, which really should appeal to anyone who loves Unreal and Quake-style gaming but also wants character growth, rich communities and the other elements of traditional MMOs. All Points Bulletin will go further with being a break out console and PC MMO game set in a real world-style city with unprecedented levels of customization and urban based combat.

GS: What was it about the opportunity that attracted you? And why would anyone ever leave that money-minting operation behind EverQuest and SWG?

CA: It was a difficult decision to leave, but Webzen presented a very compelling, once in a lifetime opportunity. SOE is a great company and had I not had the experiences I had while working there I don’t know that I would be with Webzen America today. I mean, just imagine the chance to come into an organization on the ground floor with an innovative, sexy and robust pipeline of products and be a part of its journey to becoming a leading online games publisher in the territory. That is how I see the opportunity here at Webzen America--and it would have been very tough to pass up.

GS: Assuming the company remains on the lookout for investments in the west, what can you tell me about what the company is actually looking for from development partners?

CA: Right now we are really focusing on the games that we have slated for North America: Soul of the Ultimate Nation, Huxley, All Points Bulletin and the un-announced project from Red 5 Studios. Considering that we will handle the marketing, sales, distribution, all levels of support and service and everything else that comes along with online games, we have a lot on our plate! However, Webzen is committed to fresh and innovative gameplay and is willing to take the bet on new IP. We should be on the top of anyone’s mind who might be thinking of presenting opportunities to other companies like NCsoft, SOE, and Vivendi Universal Games.