Discover how Nexon's MapleStory Universe transitions to Avalanche blockchain for NFT integration, enhancing gameplay and user rewards. Stay updated with crypto news.
MapleStory Universe was initially set to launch on Polygon, but in a surprising move, South Korean gaming giant Nexon announced on Monday that it will be utilizing the Avalanche blockchain instead.
Derived from the beloved MapleStory MMORPG, MapleStory Universe will incorporate blockchain features such as unique in-game items tokenized as NFTs. This will be facilitated through a dedicated Avalanche subnet, marking the debut of MapleStory N.
When questioned about the shift away from Polygon, Angela Son, MapleStory Universe Partnerships Lead, emphasized the advantages of Avalanche. She highlighted Ava Labs' support in addressing server and infrastructure requirements during MapleStory Universe's establishment.
From pioneering free-to-play to embracing blockchain gaming: MapleStory continues its evolution!
MapleStory, an iconic title from Nexon, Korea's gaming powerhouse, is now venturing into Avalanche with @MaplestoryU on a Subnet.
MapleStory was among the pioneers in... pic.twitter.com/Ohv6XGp6wh
— Avalanche 🔺 (@avax) March 11, 2024
An insider familiar with the matter informed Decrypt's GG that Nexon decided to explore alternatives after Polygon Labs discontinued support for Polygon Edge, a tool enabling projects to construct custom Ethereum-compatible chains. The source added that Nexon and Polygon Labs mutually agreed to part ways prior to Nexon's selection of Avalanche.
MapleStory N is slated for a PC release by late 2024. Nexon will leverage an Avalanche subnet, akin to what studios behind games like Shrapnel and Off the Grid have done, to operate the game.
“We aim to leverage Avalanche's subnet to maximize the unique aspects of blockchain-based games, such as transparency and reliability,” remarked Son. “For instance, [MapleStory N] is being designed to store enhancement-related data on the subnet when game items undergo modification.”
I spy with my little eye....a [ ]. pic.twitter.com/5Lz9xNOAJR
— MapleStory Universe (@MaplestoryU) February 19, 2024
MapleStory Universe is set to prioritize user-generated content, potentially rewarding players for their creations within the game. “In the Web3 version of MapleStory, players not only construct worlds but also earn rewards for their contributions,” the announcement states.
This initiative is poised to distinguish MapleStory as it charts a new course in the crypto realm, two decades after the original free-to-play PC game's launch. Son believes that centering the game around unique, tokenized in-game items can offer a broader range of experiences for players.
“The scarcity of items is crucial as it enhances the user reward experience,” she expressed to Decrypt's GG. “In the Web2 MMORPG realm, there are standardized skill trees available online, often resulting in identical progression paths for many users. Conversely, with MapleStory N's fixed item quantity, there will be competition among users to acquire items across various locations within the map.”
“Although this is expected to intensify gameplay,” Son added, “we believe it will enhance the new excitement factor of MapleStory N.”