MapleStory, a popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Nexon, is set to expand its gaming experience to the Avalanche blockchain. This move, announced on March 11 under the name “MapleStory N,” will utilize an Avalanche subnet on the blockchain’s cloud network to enhance the game and provide users with new opportunities for content creation.
By leveraging the Avalanche blockchain, MapleStory will be able to proceed without the need for a separate implementation partner, offering greater convenience, more support options, and a quicker time to market. Players will have the ability to build new worlds within the game, extending gameplay and leaving their mark on the MapleStory Universe.
The launch of MapleStory on the Avalanche blockchain is scheduled for later in 2024. Angela Son, the partnership lead for MapleStory Universe, expressed excitement about the partnership with Ava Labs, stating that it will enable them to build a stable and complete blockchain ecosystem. This ecosystem will not only support MapleStory N but also various decentralized applications (dApps), enhancing their competitiveness in the market.
MapleStory, which was created in 2003, has gained immense popularity in the Asia-Pacific region, boasting over 180 million registered players. Its Web3 venture, MapleStory Universe, incorporates nonfungible tokens (NFTs) to enrich the in-game experiences of players.
In a similar vein, on March 22, 2023, MapleStory’s parent company Nexon selected the Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution Polygon to power its blockchain ecosystem. This integration will allow players to earn and collect in-game items as NFTs. The deployment of Polygon’s supernet within MapleStory demonstrates Nexon’s commitment to embracing blockchain technology and leveraging its benefits.
The Avalanche network has been making significant strides in 2024, attracting attention from established financial institutions like JPMorgan and Citi. These institutions have partnered with the Avalanche Foundation for real-world asset tokenization initiatives and other technological deployments on the blockchain.
Furthermore, Avalanche inscriptions have garnered substantial interest, particularly following the hype surrounding Bitcoin BRC-20 inscription tokens. Since their creation in 2023, over 100 million Avalanche inscriptions have been minted, indicating the growing popularity and adoption of the blockchain.
In summary, MapleStory’s expansion to the Avalanche blockchain presents exciting opportunities for players to engage with the game in new and innovative ways. This move aligns with the broader trend of integrating blockchain technology into the gaming industry, enhancing user experiences and opening up new avenues for digital asset ownership.