South Korean game publisher Nexon Group has entered into a partnership with Ava Labs to transition its popular 2D mass multiplayer online role-playing game, MapleStory, to the Avalanche network. This collaboration is set to introduce MapleStory Universe, a Web3-enabled iteration of the game, aiming to leverage the technological advantages of Avalanche for an improved gaming experience.
Web3 integration and security enhancement
The decision to migrate MapleStory to the Avalanche network stems from its strong security features and successful history with Web3 games. Nexon highlighted that Avalanche’s capacity to support various Web3 games over the years played a crucial role in their choice. MapleStory Universe will benefit from its own Avalanche Subnet, essentially a network within a network, specifically designed to cater to its gaming ecosystem. This strategic move is intended to facilitate the incorporation of Web3 functionalities into the game, enhancing both player engagement and the overall gaming experience.
MapleStory Universe plans to allow players the unique opportunity to create their own in-game worlds, with the promise of Web3 rewards for these creations. Although the specifics of these rewards have not been disclosed, it is noted that non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will be central to the game’s value ecosystem.
Launch and Legacy
The PC version of MapleStory N, the first game from the Web3-updated lineup, is anticipated to launch by the end of this year on the Avalanche network. MapleStory, originally launched in 2003, was among the pioneers of the free-to-play online game model. Over its 20-year history, it has expanded globally, establishing servers in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and other regions, and says it has amassed over 180 million users worldwide so far.
