Nexon, the renowned South Korean gaming company behind the popular MMORPG MapleStory, is preparing to launch a new web3 version of the game, MapleStory N, on the Avalanche blockchain. Developed by Nexpace, Nexon’s web3-focused division, MapleStory N aims to capture the growing web3 gaming market by leveraging the strong nostalgia that fans of the original game hold.

MapleStory Univers Cover Banner on X (Twitter)

What is MapleStory?

Released in 2003, MapleStory was a massive success, garnering over 260 million players worldwide during its run. This deep connection with gamers, many of whom still hold fond memories of the game, provides MapleStory N with a unique competitive edge in attracting players to the web3 gaming space. The game will primarily target this nostalgic audience, according to Sunyoung Hwang, CEO of Nexpace.

Using Nostalgia to Enter Web3

Hwang explained in an interview that MapleStory N aims to stand out in the web3 gaming market by tapping into the emotional connection former MapleStory players have with the original game. Rather than focusing on current players, the goal is to engage users who recall the joy of playing MapleStory in its prime.

This strategic approach is designed to overcome one of the major challenges in the web3 gaming industry: onboarding real players who are genuinely interested in the gaming experience, rather than merely speculating on tokenized assets. Nexpace believes its nostalgic appeal gives it a key advantage in bringing real users into the game.

MapleStory IP and Character Art

Fixing Web2 Gaming Issues

MapleStory N will not simply be a blockchain replica of the original game. It builds on the successful design of MapleStory but introduces blockchain technology, incorporating NFTs and a token-based economy. This shift addresses some of the frustrations players had with the original MapleStory, such as the “pay-to-win” mechanics that pushed users to spend more money to remain competitive.

The game was even criticized by South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission for manipulating the odds of winning valuable loot box items. To tackle these issues, MapleStory N will offer a more transparent and balanced gaming economy. NFTs representing game items and rewards will be issued in limited quantities and will only be obtainable through gameplay.

This ensures that the value of items is driven by in-game demand, not inflated by external factors. Additionally, the total amount of in-game money and items will be capped from the start, with a fixed amount issued weekly. This prevents the inflationary dynamics seen in many web2 games, where the influx of new users leads to an oversupply of in-game resources.

MapleStory Statistics

Blockchain and In-Game Economy

The game’s economy will be powered by a currency called Neso, which is linked to Nexpace’s ecosystem token, NXPC. This integration of blockchain technology into the game’s core structure is intended to give players more control over their in-game assets and provide a sense of ownership not typically seen in traditional web2 games.

Beyond the core gameplay, MapleStory N will be part of a broader ecosystem called the MapleStory Universe which is being built on an Avalanche subent. This includes decentralized applications (dapps) such as an item marketplace and an on-chain tracker for game items, further integrating players into the web3 space. NXPC will serve as the utility token across this ecosystem.

MapleStory Building on Avalanche

Global Launch Plans

Due to South Korea’s regulatory ban on blockchain-based games, MapleStory N will not be available in the country upon its initial release. Instead, Nexpace plans to launch the game in international markets, where blockchain gaming is more readily accepted. The company expects to make further announcements about the official launch of MapleStory N towards the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Nexpace’s vision for MapleStory N extends beyond simply replicating the success of the original game. The team is committed to fine-tuning the web3 ecosystem, ensuring that the game operates smoothly and fairly while gradually moving towards a more decentralized structure. While challenges are anticipated, Nexpace has established safety mechanisms to address critical issues as they arise.

Nexpace’s MapleStory N

Final Thoughts

MapleStory N and MapleStory Universe represent a significant step forward in the evolution of the MapleStory IP, blending the nostalgic elements of the original game with the innovative potential of web3 technology. By focusing on transparency, user engagement, and a fair in-game economy, Nexpace hopes to position MapleStory N as a leader in the growing web3 gaming industry. As the launch approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively this new version can attract players while solving some of the longstanding issues that have plagued traditional MMORPGs.

Source: TheBlock