As we’re about to close the chapter of 2024 and look towards the dawn of a new year, we’ve been asking some of the key members of the blockchain gaming sector about their thoughts on the past year and what they expect in 2025.
Dominic Jang is the chief business officer and vice president at Nexpace.
What was the most significant trend for the sector of 2024?
In 2024, a significant shift occurred within the blockchain game sector, largely influenced by macroeconomic changes and regulatory progress. For instance, the new crypto-friendly government in the US signals the potential for more favorable regulations and broader institutional adoption of blockchain technologies. This macro shift could have profound effects, trickling down to the blockchain game sector and creating a fertile environment for innovation and mass adoption.
Additionally, we anticipate that such change will serve as catalysts that help blockchain as a whole gain global recognition. This growing recognition of blockchain technology is laying the groundwork for mass adoption of blockchain-based gaming. As blockchain gains broader acceptance across industries, we expect a big bang in how games are created and experienced, driven by the intersection of web3 innovations and traditional gaming models. This will likely lead to the convergence of web2 and web3, bringing about more immersive and decentralized game experiences in the near future.
How did the focus of your business change this year?
In 2024, the MapleStory Universe team focused on laying the foundations for an exciting future, with significant preparations for next year’s grand launch. This was marked by major milestones, including the launch of MapleStory Genesis Web and the execution of two crucial Pioneer Tests.
- The introduction of MapleStory Genesis Web marked an important moment for us, offering the first look at what the MapleStory Universe will be and unveiling key details about the MapleStory Universe Quest. This sparked great excitement within our community.
- The Pioneer Tests allowed us to gather essential feedback and refine the gameplay experience, ensuring that the underlying technology is ready for a smooth and seamless user experience.
Our vision for the future is clear: to diversify the ways players engage with the MapleStory IP, thereby broadening the user base and setting the stage for the next 20 years of the MapleStory brand. This year wasn’t just about building a game, but about creating a foundation for an ecosystem where players are not just consumers, but co-creators. Moving forward, our focus remains on integrating traditional gaming with decentralized features like asset creation and governance. This will allow us to craft a new generation of innovative, engaging game experiences for the community.
What do you predict will be the most important trends in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, one key trend we anticipate is the redefinition of what it means to be a “gamer.” Traditionally, gamers were individuals who dedicated hours to active gameplay on a screen. However, platforms like Twitch and YouTube have expanded the definition of gaming, transforming it into a multifaceted experience that extends beyond just playing the game. Similarly, blockchain gaming continues to push these boundaries by enabling engagement through decentralized applications, token trading, NFT minting, and user-generated content. In this evolving ecosystem, gamers are no longer confined to traditional modes of engagement – they are part of a vibrant community where participation comes in many forms.
With MapleStory Universe, we aim to reshape the very definition of a player. By leveraging web3 features such as item exchanges and smart contracts, we’re enabling players, creators, and developers to interact with the MapleStory IP in innovative ways. Through our token, NXPC, the community becomes co-creators, inspired to actively participate in the ecosystem in new and exciting ways. This broader perspective, which encourages content creation and participation from all players, will foster a collaborative environment where the community can shape the future of MapleStory.
What was your favourite blockchain game of the year?
As I’ve been deeply focused on testing MapleStory Universe to ensure it’s ready for our users, I haven’t had much time to explore other games this year. That said, I’ve enjoyed the testing process itself, which has been full of fun and nostalgia. It reminded me of the early days of MapleStory, where activities like farming and grinding were central to the experience. We hope to bring that same sense of nostalgia and excitement to our users with MapleStory Universe and its first-ever game, MapleStory N.
However, it’s also worth acknowledging the growing trend of alternative ways to enjoy games, which is reshaping how we define gaming as a whole. Projects like Hamster Combat and Catizen no Telegram reflect this trend – ushering in new, creative methods for engaging with games.
5. What’s your New Year’s resolution and what resolution would you enforce on the industry?
Aside from slaying all the monsters in MapleStory? My personal resolution is to dedicate my full effort to ensuring that MapleStory Universe remains as enjoyable for our players as it has been for me. I believe this sentiment resonates with other game developers as well – creating iconic and fun games is at the heart of what we do.
As for the industry, my resolution is clear: I hope to see more collaboration and innovation in the gaming world, particularly around decentralized technologies. The future of gaming lies in creating ecosystems where players can not only enjoy but also actively shape the content they engage with.
Check out all the 2024 End-of-Year interviews here >>
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