Nexon Taps Polygon for its Web3 Game MapleStory Universe
The MapleStory franchise will get its own Supernet to build and thrive in the Polygon gaming ecosystem.
MapleStory Universe is the latest blockchain game on Polygon
Nexon, one of the largest game publishers in Asia, is bringing MapleStory Universe – a Web3 title based on its popular 2D RPG franchise – to the Polygon blockchain.
The latest move was announced at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. According to the firm, it will be building a dedicated Polygon Supernet to power the blockchain ecosystem of MapleStory Universe and expand the thriving in-game economy.
MapleStory is a free-to-play, 2D side-scrolling MMORPG that was first released in South Korea in 2003. Since then, it has gained a huge following worldwide, with 180 million registered users. The game has raked in over $4 billion in revenue, making it one of Nexon's top-grossing titles.
"We are looking forward to expanding the NFT ecosystem envisioned by MapleStory Universe by building on Polygon, the top protocol for Web3 gaming. It is the perfect choice to power the ecosystem," said MapleStory Universe group leader Sun-young Hwang. "We will work closely with the team at Polygon Labs to develop and market the game."
MapleStory Universe is a blockchain gaming ecosystem based on the popular IP by Nexon. The project will be divided into 4 parts: MapleStory N, Mod N, MapleStory N Mobile, and MapleStory N SDK.
Maple Story N is an NFT-based MMORPG, whereas Mod N is a sandbox-style game that allows players to create customized games with MapleStory assets. MapleStory N Mobile will be a MapleStory world on the go, while MapleStory N SDK will allow users to build non-gameplay-related experiences.
Founded in Seoul in 1994, Nexon is a pioneer in interactive gaming, having introduced the world's first graphic MMORPG and free-to-play business model. Since its inception, the firm has serviced over 60 online games in over 100 countries, attracting more than 1.3 billion player registrations. The company's foray into Web3 strongly indicates its commitment to embracing innovations in the gaming world.
"Nexon selecting Polygon Supernets to power MapleStory Universe sends a strong message to the entire gaming industry about the future of blockchain gaming," said Ryan Wyatt, President of Polygon Labs. "Korea is a critical market in bringing Web3 gaming to the masses, and Polygon Labs is committed to offering multiple solutions to bring their visions to market."
