LINE organizes “LINE Conference Tokyo 2014”

LINE has announced the hosting of its LINE Conference Tokyo 2014 to present its current and new business ventures.

The conference included announcements of the newest information and achievements for LINE, including their breakthrough to over 560 million global users, and a newly released figure for the amount of monthly active users (MAU), which has reached 170 million. LINE also announced its plans for the future, expressing its aim to become more integral to daily life by surpassing the boundaries between online and offline and offering a variety of new services and business ideas under the theme of “Life”

LINE Pay

LINE Pay, a payment system that lets users pay for a variety of services by using the LINE app on their iPhone or Android smartphone, including of course LINE and related services, associated stores, web services, and apps. Payment can be made by linking credit cards, paying at convenience stores, or by adding money beforehand with an account from an associated bank (Mizuho Bank or Sumitomo Bank). Using LINE’s unique characteristics, users can split the purchase price of goods and services among their LINE friends by using the “Share Payment” feature, or even send money directly to a friend’s bank account without having to input their bank information by using the “Send Money” feature. The “Withdrawal” feature will let users deposit the money sent to them directly into their associated bank account.

Planned for a winter release, payment options will be available first for LINE and related web services and apps, with expansion into offline shops and other venues planned in the future.

Expansion of Game Lineup

LINE’s game distribution platform LINE GAME has been built up around casual games such as LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum and LINE Rangers up until this point, and further aims to expand and succeed as a global platform by diversifying its lineup, finally offering mid-core and core games to audiences.

LINE GAME will continue to make efforts to strengthen partnerships with third-party content providers, using high-quality gaming content developed in Japan to become the world’s No. 1 mobile platform.

New Companies established with GREE, Inc. and Cyber Agent, Inc.

The basic groundwork has been laid for the establishment of two new companies, one to be co-funded by GREE, Inc. and one to be co-funded by Cyber Agent, Inc., in an effort to stimulate the development of global content.

Investment into Translimit, Inc. via Game Fund

The first recipient for LINE’s investment fund, LINE Game Global Gateway, established to invest in the Japanese game development companies as well as other gaming content, will be Translimit, Inc. Combining the company’s game development prowess, which has allowed it to achieve global success in over 150 countries, especially in the United States and Asia – with games such as the competitive thinking game “BrainWars”, and LINE’s extensive global user base, they will develop new exciting game content.