Blockchain, NFT-powered MapleStory N Expansion to Launch ‘by Year’s End’

MapleStory, the hit side-scrolling MMORPG, is set for an NFT and blockchain technology-powered IP “expansion” this year, a report in South Korea has claimed.

Per Digital Today, the gaming giant Nexon has underlined its intention “to expand its MapleStory intellectual property” reach “using blockchain-powered tools.”

The firm will “start with MapleStory Universe,” and unveil the long-awaited MapleStory N title “this year,” the outlet reported.

MapleStory N: Can Nexon Score an NFT Hit?

The media outlet claimed that industry figures were “paying attention” to whether the firm would seek to turn the tide of NFTs in the gaming world.

It noted that “the combination of games and NFTs” was “a hot topic in the gaming industry in 2022,” but was now “cooling off.”

It’s National Video Game Day, Maplers! 💻 Log in, explore, and celebrate the game that brings us all together! #MapleStory #NationalVideoGameDay pic.twitter.com/DE1QnKje1p

— MapleStory 🍁 (@MapleStory) September 12, 2024

The report comes in the wake of news in March this year that Nexon plans to integrate the Avalanche Subnet network into its MapleStory Universe project.

The universe project will comprise not only MapleStory N, but also “MapleStory W, and MapleStory SDK,” the report continued.

Nexon reportedly wants to promote the “cultural value of a game that is ultimately created by its users.”

As such, it has “chosen to combine” its offering “with “blockchain technology to boost user participation and enhance the power of the IP.”

Long-lasting Appeal

MapleStory was released in South Korea in April 2003. It has since gone on to amass some 250 million registered players, as well as “over $5 billion in cumulative sales.”

Nexon first unveiled details of the “Maple Universe” expansion in June 2022, when it first announced its intention to launch MapleStory N.

Multiple South Korean gaming firms have attempted to launch NFT-powered IP expansions.

However, many of these have been met with a mixed reception from gaming fans, both at home and abroad.

MapleStory N, the firm claims, will also be an MMORPG gaming title. But it will also allow players to “use resources provided in the Maple Universe.”

They will then be able to use these to upload items “to the ecosystem,” so that “other ecosystem participants” can buy them.

Nexon Unveils Cryptoasset for Gaming Transactions

Nexon unveiled its own cryptoasset, the NXPC coin, intended for in-game transactions on August 27.

“A lot of test users have high expectations for the future of Maple. We will not rest on the achievements of Maple N. We will expand the universe further […][looking to] unite all participants with contributions and rewards.”

Son Yeon-su, Head of Business Development Partnerships at Nexon’s Nexspace

The outlet went on to explain that MapleStory N players will be able to choose from five different character types.

Nonfungible token marketplace OpenSea said it has received a Wells Notice from the SEC, indicating the US regulator’s intention to sue the company. https://t.co/5Z8IJq3PeF

— Bloomberg (@business) August 28, 2024

Once they reach level 30, MapleStory N players will be able to “mint” their characters in NFT form. The outlet explained:

“Game characters that have been turned into NFTs can be moved to other people’s wallets. Players can also mint items. And gamers can use minted items not only in Maple N, but also throughout the Maple Universe.”

Nexon has previously announced plans to build MapleStory Universe using the Polygon Supernet. The firm said, back in early 2023:

“Players will be able to earn and collect NFT items through gameplay to unlock various benefits or utility across the ecosystem.”