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

MapleStory, the popular side-scrolling MMORPG, is expected to see an expansion powered by NFT and blockchain technology later this year, according to a report from South Korea.

As reported by Digital Today, Nexon, the gaming giant, has emphasized its plan to “expand the MapleStory intellectual property” by incorporating blockchain-based tools. The company intends to kick off this expansion with “MapleStory Universe” and release the highly anticipated “MapleStory N” title within the year, according to the outlet.

MapleStory N: Will Nexon Succeed with NFTs?

Industry insiders are closely watching to see if Nexon can shift the momentum for NFTs in gaming. While the integration of NFTs and gaming was a major trend in 2022, interest has since waned, the report noted.

The news follows a March announcement that Nexon plans to use the Avalanche Subnet network in its MapleStory Universe project.

The universe will include not only “MapleStory N,” but also “MapleStory W” and the “MapleStory SDK,” the report elaborated. Nexon aims to emphasize the “cultural value of a game ultimately created by its users.” By combining their offering with blockchain technology, they hope to boost user engagement and strengthen the IP.

A Legacy of Success

First launched in South Korea in April 2003, MapleStory has accumulated over 250 million registered players and generated more than $5 billion in total sales.

Nexon first revealed its “Maple Universe” expansion plans in June 2022, when it announced the launch of MapleStory N.

Several South Korean gaming companies have ventured into NFT-powered IP expansions, although these efforts have often received mixed reactions from gamers, both domestically and internationally.apleStory N.

MapleStory N, according to Nexon, will also be an MMORPG. It will allow players to utilize resources from the Maple Universe and upload items to the ecosystem, where other participants can purchase them.