Gaming industry giant Nexon is earmarking a substantial $100 million investment for the expansion of its web3 IP, MapleStory Universe. With Nexon's valuation standing at $27 billion, this move signifies a significant step in the evolution of the revered MMORPG. Nexon's entry into web3 has garnered attention from the global gaming community and industry stakeholders. Despite the company's robust valuation, a Nexon spokesperson clarifies that the $100 million injection is primarily directed at securing operational funds, reinforcing the commitment to MapleStory Universe's success. 

MapleStory M, the original web2 MMORPG developed by Nexon and NSC, has achieved remarkable success since its launch in October 2016. Fast forward to September 2023, the mobile game clocked an impressive $600 million in cumulative sales, with one significant milestone that had the industry buzzing: a staggering $55 million in just 35 days after entering the highly competitive Chinese market. MapleStory M's journey began as an extension of Nexon's iconic MapleStory IP,  a game that captured the hearts of players worldwide since its inception in 2003. In October 2016, the cherished IP transitioned seamlessly to mobile, setting the stage for its global expansion in July 2018. 

As if its success wasn't impressive enough, MapleStory has set its sights on a new frontier: web3 gaming and blockchain technology. This latest move promises to redefine the MMORPG experience. The game aims to combine its core Reward Experience (RX) with blockchain technology to create RX 2.0. This innovative approach will increase the rarity and utility of in-game items, making them valuable both within and outside the game. MapleStory's ambitious plans extend to the creation of an NFT-based ecosystem, where players can earn limited quantity NFTs through gameplay. These NFTs can be traded peer-to-peer, offering a more controlled approach to inflation compared to unlimited issuance systems.

In addition, MapleStory N, the PC MMORPG counterpart, will extend the MapleStory Universe NFTs to mobile platforms. The game will also introduce MapleStory N World, a sandbox platform for creators to develop new games, and MapleStory N SDK, enabling diverse applications. This innovative approach opens the door to endless scalability and expansion possibilities, promising an exciting future for this franchise in the world of web3 gaming.

Specifics about token issuance and service launches remain undisclosed. However, anticipation builds as a comprehensive roadmap, scheduled for the first half of 2024, is expected to provide clarity on the project's direction, bolstering confidence in MapleStory Universe. In a strategic move earlier this year, Nexon integrated Polygon Supernets, a blockchain catering to the demands of online gaming. This integration signals a transformative shift in the gaming experience, allowing MapleStory Universe to reshape the in-game economy through Polygon. MapleStory Universe emerges as a dynamic virtual ecosystem, seamlessly integrating games and applications with NFTs. Through the integration of Polygon, players can earn and trade NFT items during gameplay, fundamentally altering the existing in-game economy. Components include:

1. MapleStory N: A blockchain-infused MMORPG redefining the game's experience.
2. MapleStory N Mobile: Extending the blockchain experience to mobile devices.
3. MapleStory N Worlds: Empowering players and creators to craft their own blockchain games.
4. MapleStory N SDK: A toolkit facilitating developers in crafting decentralized applications.

The newly announced $100 million funding from Nexon will expedite web3-focused initiatives, with a roadmap set for the first half of 2024. The MapleStory Universe ecosystem, comprising MapleStory N, N Worlds, N SDK, and N Mobile, aims to transition the beloved IP into the web3 era, revolutionizing the gaming experience through blockchain technology and NFT integration. The future holds promise as MapleStory Universe strives to be a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of blockchain gaming.