MapleStory, a core IP of Nexon Group that has been played for over 20 years, is now being regenerated on Avalanche. MapleStory is a product of the biggest Korean game studio, Nexon, which rose to global fame when the game took off in the 2000s, the golden age of MMORPGs. MapleStory remains a cult favorite today, and now a Web3-enhanced extension of the franchise is coming to Avalanche. 

MapleStory has broken barriers and has enduring appeal. Back when it was common for MMOs to use subscriptions, MapleStory bucked this trend and became perhaps the first online game to popularize the free-to-play model. 

MapleStory Universe continues the Nexon Group’s tradition of innovation. The first game within the Web3-enabled MapleStory Universe will be called MapleStory N.

Critically, MapleStory Universe on Avalanche will offer new user-generated content possibilities, elevating this trend employed by many leading Web2 games. Not only can players in the Web3 version of MapleStory build worlds, they can be rewarded for doing so.

Incorporating Avalanche allows MapleStory to expand its horizons like never before. With the fuel of Web3 ownership and incentives, the already-expansive MapleWorld can grow massively. Users can build out enticing new worlds, extending gameplay, and adding their footprint to the MapleStory Universe.

The result: loyal Web2 gamers from across the world will get an expanded gaming experience on Avalanche, introducing them to the possibilities of Web3 gaming. 

Many of these possibilities will be unlocked by Avalanche’s custom features. MapleStory Universe will be powered by an Avalanche Subnet tailored specifically to their ecosystem. 

MapleStory Universe is part of a growing trend for game companies coming to Avalanche, as illustrated by Gunzilla, Shrapnel, TSM, Merit Circle, Pegaxy, DOS Subnet, and others. Subnets are being increasingly seen as rich interconnected ecosystems rather than as a custom home for just one game.  

MapleStory Universe has migrated to Avalanche for the network’s security and how successfully Avalanche has onboarded and supported various Web3 games over the years. Additionally, launching a Subnet with AvaCloud allows MapleStory Universe to proceed without a separate implementation partner, providing greater convenience, more support options, and quick time to market. Simply put, Avalanche Subnets position MapleStory Universe to give players seamless Web3 features and gameplay. 

"Our partnership with Ava Labs will allow us to build a stable and complete blockchain ecosystem, enabling us to securely service various dApps along with MapleStory N to amplify our competitiveness,” said Angela Son, MapleStory Universe's Partnership Lead.

“I can’t imagine a bigger opportunity in Web3 than what the Nexon Group is doing with MapleStory Universe, and we’re honored to power its next blockchain project with Avalanche,” said Ed Chang, Head of Gaming at Ava Labs. “We’ve been extremely impressed with the vision since our first conversation, and the focus on long-term sustainability could easily onboard millions of users on-chain.”

MapleStory Universe aims to launch the PC MMORPG MapleStory N on Avalanche by the end of 2024. 

To learn more, check out MapleStory Universe’s website or Twitter. 

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About MapleStory Universe

MapleStory Universe is a Virtual Worlds ecosystem based on the world renowned IP, MapleStory. MapleStory Universe utilizes NFTs to create various tangible and intangible enhancements to the game experience, and is committed to lowering entry barriers to blockchain technology to make it easily accessible for everyone.

About Avalanche

Avalanche is a smart contracts platform that scales infinitely and regularly finalizes transactions in less than one second. Its novel consensus protocol, Subnet infrastructure, and HyperSDK toolkit enable Web3 developers to easily launch powerful, custom blockchain solutions. Build anything you want, any way you want, on the eco-friendly blockchain designed for Web3 devs.

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