NEXPACE, the Web3 IP-expansion initiative backed by Nexon, announced the imminent launch of MapleStory N, the blockchain-powered MMORPG that brings a new dimension to the 22-year-old MapleStory franchise with over 250 million users worldwide. MapleStory N is set to go live on May 15.
As the countdown to the launch of MapleStory N begins, players around the world can look forward to a journey that blends nostalgic 2D side-scrolling gameplay with innovative Web3 functionality. With secure, gasless blockchain infrastructure and tradable on-chain assets, the game offers new ways for players to interact with and shape the IP. MapleStory N marks the first official game release within the MapleStory Universe, laying the groundwork for future expansion into additional gaming IPs.
Sunyoung Hwang, CEO of NEXPACE, shared, “The launch of MapleStory N marks the culmination of years of development, rigorous user testing, and unwavering community support. This isn’t just the release of a new game; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in gaming history. With MapleStory N, we’ve built a platform where players don’t just participate, but actively shape the worlds they inhabit, paving the way for a more immersive and community-driven future for the gaming industry.”
Key Features at Launch
Designed for both longtime fans and a new generation of players, the game reinvents the MMORPG experience by enabling true ownership and direct participation in the in-game economy of MapleStory N. Key features include:
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Reward Experience 2.0: A next-level gaming experience that provides enhanced item utility and rarity. By empowering players to issue, trade, and manage in-game items on-chain, the game addresses item dilution issues and enables players to use game assets beyond the game itself, offering true and lasting ownership.
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Community-Focused Contribution Mechanism: Opportunities for players, creators and developers to contribute to the game’s evolution through user-generated content and applications, and be rewarded with ecosystem tokens
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Secure and Safe Gaming Environment: MapleStory N leverages more than two decades of anti-cheat expertise from the original franchise, combining advanced detection tools, real-time monitoring, and AvaCloud’s security infrastructure to safeguard the ecosystem.
Test Phase Reveals Strong Early Traction
To date, pioneer playtests of MapleStory N showcased exceptionally high engagement, pointing to strong market readiness at launch:
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Over 31.5 million on-chain activities recorded during pre-launch phases
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Strong marketplace activity with 76.2% of in-game tokens circulating actively spent
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Robust retention rates and significant player participation underscore the game’s appeal and economic sustainability
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Wallet Activity: The total number of distinct wallets registered on the MSU testnet website reached 972K over the course of playtest period
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Total Users: The total number of users interacting with MSU reached 506K, with one in two consistently playing MapleStory N (i.e. 47-54% retention rate)
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MapleStory N marks the beginning of a key narrative within the MSU ecosystem, where user-driven activities and Synergy Apps will accelerate ongoing expansion. Building on this launch, MapleStory Universe will continue to evolve through player contributions, decentralized content creation, and an open economy designed for long-term growth.
MapleStory N will be available on PC. For more information, visit the official website at https://msu.io/.