In it for the long run, during 2024 Nexon has taken the web3 extension of its MapleStory IP not just wider, but also deeper. Garnering 400,000 users during a single day in its latest MapleStory N playtest showcases Nexon’s growing understanding on sustainable ecosystem building. The release of its NXPC token model makes MapleStory Universe users even more excited about where the project is heading as we’re on the verge of a new year.
With this in mind, we checked in with Dominic Jang, the VP and chief business officer at Nexons’s web3 subsidiary Nexpace.
Nexon’s success over the last 30 years has been driven by constant innovation, and our goal is to create an innovative model that positions us for the next 30 years. This vision led us to leverage blockchain technology.
Dominic Jang, Nexpace
BlockchainGamer: What’s been Nexpace’s focal point in 2024?
Dominic Jang: In 2024, MapleStory Universe project laid the groundwork for an ambitious and transformative 2025. This year marked several critical milestones, including the unveiling of MapleStory Genesis Web and two pivotal pioneer tests. These tests provided valuable player feedback, highlighted by an impressive 82% retention rate – a clear indication of sustained interest in our vision.
To refine our approach further, we recently initiated a new phase, Gear Up NOW!, focused on testing the scalability and stability of our ecosystem’s advanced systems. Insights from these phases have been instrumental in enhancing both the gameplay experience and the robustness of the underlying technology. By prioritizing player-driven feedback and optimizing our infrastructure, we are ensuring a seamless and enjoyable user journey as we advance toward our 2025 launch.
Did the focus of your business change during the year?
Rather than a change in focus, 2024 represented a natural progression toward the next phase of our project. The primary goal has been the growth of the MapleStory Universe ecosystem, anchored around MapleStory N, our core game content.
This year, we invested substantial effort in exploring technical and strategic opportunities to attract a broader range of partners, collaborators, and user types into our ecosystem.
More specifically, we focused on
- continued technologic evolution of the Nexpace Protocol,
- critical milestone reviews at each stage of our roadmap, and
- refining our GTM strategy while setting strategic priorities for collaborations.
These efforts have positioned us to deliver a more integrated and expansive experience for our community.
What is the key outcome of your collaboration with Hashed?
Our collaboration with Hashed represents a significant step toward advancing the web3 ecosystem, particularly in the Middle East. Combining Hashed’s expertise in web3 investments with Nexpace’s deep understanding of blockchain games, we aim to foster an environment of innovation and growth.
Anchored in Abu Dhabi, a burgeoning hub for web3 innovation, this partnership focuses on developing infrastructure and support systems for web3 projects. We’re committed to empowering developers and entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life within the MapleStory Universe ecosystem.
This collaboration also highlights our active participation in initiatives like Abu Dhabi Finance Week, where we engage with global leaders to shape the future of web3. Together, we are building a community-driven ecosystem that bridges iconic game IPs, like MapleStory, into the blockchain era.
You recently unveiled the blockchain architecture and NXPC token for MapleStory Universe. What’s the reception been so far?
The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Players and community members are excited about the NXPC token’s role in transforming the game experience.
By leveraging blockchain technology, we are creating a new ecosystem centered on the MapleStory IP, redefining both what it means to play a game and who gamers can be.
Our pioneer tests underscored this excitement, with over 195,000 transactions and 1,000 participants in the first test, followed by 400,000 users and 238,000 active wallets in a single day during the latest test. Additionally, we witnessed our NFT collections driving substantial on-chain engagement on OpenSea. The feedback has been equally encouraging, with users and industry experts praising our blockchain UI as a standard for mass adoption and sustainability.
These results reaffirm our belief in the potential of a well-designed token model to elevate player experiences without compromising the essence of gameplay.
Has it turned out to be a more challenging task to develop a sustainable web3 ecosystem model than you first expected?
Our journey with MapleStory Universe has been rooted in a deep understanding of what makes a sustainable community model. Nexon’s success over the last 30 years has been driven by constant innovation, and our goal is to create an innovative model that positions us for the next 30 years. This vision led us to leverage blockchain technology to further expand our beloved IPs, expand our audience, and redefine how “games” and “gamers” interact with our content.
At MapleStory Universe, blockchain is one layer of a broader, audience-first infrastructure designed to support vibrant activities and diverse participants seamlessly.
Dominic Jang
That said, innovation is rarely without challenges. Beyond technical complexities, we have dedicated significant resources to understanding the industry and its communities, ensuring that MapleStory Universe is built for long-term viability in the web3 space.
Our approach mirrors the early days of mobile games, where success required adapting to the platform’s unique characteristics. Similarly, blockchain games must embrace the evolving expectations of web3 users. While the journey has required time and effort, we are confident that our learnings will propel MapleStory into a new era, blending its iconic experience with blockchain’s transformative potential.
Why are you focusing on the MENA region in particular?
The MENA region offers unparalleled opportunities, driven by a tech-savvy population and a burgeoning interest in web3 games. Double-digit growth rates and Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global web3 hub – thanks to its progressive regulatory framework, digital infrastructure, and business-friendly environment – make it an ideal location for MapleStory Universe.
By establishing our presence in Abu Dhabi, we aim to leverage this environment to build a robust web3 game ecosystem. Through partnerships with entities like Hashed and Hub71, we are fostering innovation, community engagement, and long-term ecosystem development. Our goal is to contribute to sustainable web3 economic growth across the Middle East and beyond.
Blockchain games are yet to see a mass-market breakthrough. How are you planning to onboard a wider audience than the already converted crypto gaming crowd?
As entertainment evolves toward more interactive experiences, our strategy is to meet users where they are – core gamers, creators, developers, and merchants alike. Each of these groups plays a unique role in our ecosystem, and we’ve invested heavily in defining how they engage with and leverage the MapleStory Universe ecosystem.
Reducing technological friction is central to our approach. Many in the web3 industry overemphasize branding blockchain as the sole foundation of their content. At MapleStory Universe, blockchain is one layer of a broader, audience-first infrastructure designed to support vibrant activities and diverse participants seamlessly.
How do you plan to leverage the current positive crypto sentiment?
The growing optimism around blockchain provides an ideal environment to introduce our ecosystem to millions of new users, many of whom may interact with wallets for the first time.
We anticipate significant regulatory clarity and adoption in the coming years, unlocking new services and audiences. Against this backdrop, we aim to showcase how blockchain can redefine gameplay and business models. By blending innovation with player-driven experiences, we are confident MapleStory Universe will resonate with both web3 enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
What do you predict will be the big sector trends in 2025?
In 2025, we expect a paradigm shift in how players engage with games, driven by expanding definitions of “game.”
Activities involving digital assets, DApp interactions, token models, and user-generated content will redefine the game landscape. As traditional franchises like MapleStory transition to blockchain, we anticipate an industry-wide shift.
Our vision for MapleStory Universe is to set the benchmark for integrating beloved IPs into web3, creating case studies for others to follow.
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