MapleStory Adds Daily Bans Due to Hacks

MapleStory N, the blockchain game developed by Nexpace and built on the Avalanche network, is currently undergoing significant security enforcement efforts aimed at maintaining the stability of its in-game economy. Since its launch in May, the game has become one of Avalanche’s most active projects, contributing to a substantial increase in on-chain activity. However, the game’s success has also made it a target for hackers and exploiters. Nexpace reports that it is banning thousands of accounts each day as part of a broader effort to reduce abuse and cheating.

MapleStory Adds Daily Bans Due to Hacks

MapleStory Enforces Daily Bans to Due Hacks

The popularity of MapleStory N has driven high levels of user engagement on the Avalanche blockchain, leading to a 549% spike in active wallet addresses and a new record for NFT minting. Yet this surge has also presented challenges. Nexpace’s head of strategy, Keith Kim, stated that the number of attempted exploits has exceeded what the company has experienced across Nexon’s entire game portfolio.

Players have reported frequent instances of exploit abuse, including suspicious activity such as players defeating high-level bosses without appropriate gear. These incidents highlight weaknesses in balance and security, partly due to the low barriers to entry that allow hackers to quickly create new wallets and rejoin the game.

MapleStory Adds Daily Bans Due to Hacks

Implementation of New Security Measures

In response to these challenges, Nexpace has introduced a range of measures to reduce exploit activity and preserve the integrity of the game’s economy. One key development is the implementation of a 30-hour delay on asset withdrawals, which is intended to align with the time typically required to detect and remove malicious accounts. This measure is designed to disrupt the ability of hackers to quickly convert in-game assets into real-world value.

The game has also integrated a more advanced detection system capable of identifying abnormal behavior in real time. This system is complemented by the introduction of an isolated Avalanche subnet called Henesys. Assets gained through suspected abuse cannot be transferred out of this subnet, effectively containing their value and preventing them from impacting the broader game economy.

Additionally, Nexpace has prepared a clawback mechanism that allows for the recovery of assets from wallets associated with banned users. This system, which relies on a controlled multi-signature process, has not yet been activated but remains an option should a significant volume of the in-game asset supply become frozen in compromised accounts.

MapleStory Adds Daily Bans Due to Hacks

Ongoing Monitoring of Economic Impact

Although the scale of banning operations is significant, Nexpace notes that many exploiters are spending more resources than they are able to extract. According to Kim, most hackers are purchasing in-game tokens such as XPC to accelerate their activities within the 30-hour window. This behavior results in a net inflow of assets rather than outflow, which so far has limited the financial impact on regular players and the overall game economy.

MapleStory Adds Daily Bans Due to Hacks

A Broader Look at Security in Web3 Gaming

MapleStory N represents the first phase of the MapleStory Universe, a web3 initiative based on the long-standing Nexon franchise. The project aims to merge traditional gaming experiences with blockchain technology. However, the presence of real-world value tied to in-game assets introduces new risks.

The game's experience with ongoing exploit prevention reflects broader challenges that web3 games face in maintaining fairness, security, and trust among players. As blockchain gaming continues to grow, the steps taken by Nexpace to address abuse in MapleStory N may serve as a reference point for other developers navigating similar issues in a decentralized environment.

Source: Juice