MapleStory N, the Avalanche-based Web3 rendition of the beloved MMORPG MapleStory, seeks to leverage nostalgia to attract both new and returning players. According to Nexpace CEO Sunyoung Hwang, the game aims to differentiate itself in the competitive Web3 gaming landscape.
As a PC-based MMORPG, MapleStory N integrates blockchain technology with the iconic MapleStory IP. Hwang states, "We need to see a Web3 game that makes users want to spend, not just their money but become fans and enthusiasts of the content." Nexon, the parent company of Nexpace, reported over $2.9 billion in annual revenue last year, underscoring the potential impact of this new release.
MapleStory, launched in 2003, remains one of Nexon's most recognizable titles, boasting over 260 million players globally. Hwang emphasizes the target demographic: "I think there’s a huge platform of people that hold good memories of MapleStory from the past, and that’s the target population we aim for rather than current players of the game." This nostalgic approach could offer a competitive edge in the Web3 space.
Recently, MapleStory N completed a 10-day user testing phase with 1,000 participants, achieving an impressive retention rate of 82%. The game aims to address the common pitfalls of traditional Web2 gaming by enhancing the user experience.
The upcoming MapleStory N builds on the original's successful design but incorporates blockchain elements like NFTs and token-linked in-game currency to create an open market economy. Hwang notes the shift away from the criticized "pay-to-win" model, where players felt pressured to spend more for competitiveness.
Nexpace plans to expand MapleStory N within a broader ecosystem known as the MapleStory Universe, which will include decentralized applications (dApps) like an item marketplace and an on-chain item data tracker. These features will enhance user engagement and immersion in the Web3 ecosystem, utilizing the NXPC token as the utility currency.
Hwang anticipates announcing further developments regarding the launch of MapleStory N by the end of the year or early 2025. Due to regulatory constraints in South Korea, the game is expected to debut outside its home country.
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