MapleStory, an MMORPG developed by Nexon, will expand its gaming experience to the Avalanche blockchain, according to a recent announcement called “MapleStory N.” The game will utilize an Avalanche subnet on the blockchain’s cloud network, allowing for a seamless integration without the need for a separate implementation partner. This move will provide greater convenience, more support options, and a quicker time to market for the game. Additionally, it will offer users new opportunities to create content and build their own worlds within the MapleStory Universe.
The launch of MapleStory on the Avalanche blockchain is planned 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 will allow them to securely service various dApps, including MapleStory N, and enhance their competitiveness in the gaming 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 enhance the in-game experiences for players.
In a similar move, Nexon, the parent company of MapleStory, recently selected the Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution Polygon to power its blockchain ecosystem. The partnership will enable players to earn and collect in-game items as NFTs using a Polygon supernet deployed within MapleStory.
The Avalanche network has been gaining traction in 2024, attracting interest from traditional financial giants like JPMorgan and Citi. These institutions have partnered with the Avalanche Foundation for real-world asset tokenization initiatives and new technological deployments on the blockchain.
Avalanche inscriptions have also garnered significant attention, particularly with the rise of Bitcoin BRC-20 inscription tokens. Since their creation in 2023, over 100 million Avalanche inscriptions have been minted, drawing record user interest.
In summary, MapleStory’s expansion to the Avalanche blockchain and its partnership with Ava Labs will bring exciting new possibilities for players and enhance the overall gaming experience within the MapleStory Universe.