What is MapleStory N?
South Korean game giant Nexon recently held a press conference in Taiwan for the blockchain game MapleStory N, developed by Nexon. Dominic Jang, the business manager of MapleStory Universe, took this opportunity to introduce to Taiwanese media and players the differences between this classic IP and the original version of MapleStory after entering the world of blockchain.
MapleStory N is one of the core games in the MapleStory Universe ecosystem, which consists of multiple applications including a wallet, trading platform, and the game itself.
MapleStory N is built on the Arbitrum blockchain and is an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). It inherits the classic style of MapleStory but incorporates blockchain elements into its economic system and player experience. The game allows players to own and trade in-game items and characters in the form of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) or FTs (Fungible Tokens).
These transactions are not limited to servers and can be conducted in external trading markets. There is no “cash shop” in MapleStory N as the developers aim to maintain a free economy between players. Additionally, the game’s items are different from the original MapleStory as they have limited quantities, which helps preserve their value and combat inflation.
As for the “token economy” that many players are concerned about, currently MapleStory N has two currencies: $NESO (similar to the original in-game currency, Mesos) and utility token $NXPC. In the future, the developers will release a detailed white paper and announce the method of exchanging $NESO for $NXPC.
The classic MapleStory IP can also be seen in MapleStory N.
What can we expect from MapleStory N?
Dominic Jang announced that MapleStory N is expected to be launched in the first half of 2025, with features such as a costume system and trading market being simultaneously introduced.
Regarding the target users of the game, he divided them into three categories. The first category consists of loyal players, especially long-term players who have a resonance and nostalgic attachment to MapleStory. They are already familiar with the game’s mechanics and content and may be interested in the new version and re-engage with it.
The second category includes content creators and developers who will enter the game and participate in expanding the ecosystem. For example, developers can integrate NFTs of default shoe items from the game into other “earn-as-you-play” games like STEPN, allowing players in those games to earn more points by owning the same NFT item.
The last category is players who have never played MapleStory, especially Web3 users who are attracted to the game by blockchain technology.
Although the game’s economic model is not yet clear, Dominic Jang stated that the game aims to reward players who contribute to the game community. These contributions can be in the form of content creation, community development, etc., and will be rewarded based on the level of contribution.
“The development team values every feedback, question, and interaction with players,” said Dominic Jang. He added that in the future, MapleStory N may introduce more interactive experiences, allowing players to play a more important role in key game decisions. Additionally, MapleStory N remains open to collaborations with other famous Web3 IPs. However, the team’s current focus is on successfully launching and stabilizing the game system.
(Left) Dominic Jang, Business Manager of MapleStory Universe.