Nexon Partners With Polygon for MapleStory Universe Web3 Games
More big news for Polygon, as Korea’s largest game studio have chosen the Layer 2 to power their upcoming web3 game ecosystem!
MARCH 21, 2023. NEWS. WRITTEN BY JOHN NICHOLS.
Huge moves for Polygon!
Today at GDC 2023, Nexon – South Korea’s largest game studio and publisher – announced a partnership with Polygon to power the blockchain elements of the MapleStory Universe, a virtual world ecosystem with MapleStory NFTs at its core.
Polygon Labs will provide both business and technical support for the game, as well as integrate Polygon Supernets – an end-to-end service that allows games and metaverses to be powered by super fast, app-specific blockchains.
What is the MapleStory Universe?
Launched in 2003, MapleStory is one of the biggest MMO titles in the world, boasting more than 180 million registered accounts. Players create a character to embark on quests, battle monsters and interact with other players in a fast-paced, 2D side-scrolling environment.
Announced in June 2022, MapleStory Universe is a catch-all name for a range of new blockchain-powered MapleStory games, including upcoming MMORPG MapleStory N, and upcoming sandbox experience MOD N.
Sun-young Hwang, Group Leader for MapleStory Universe, said:
“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. We will work closely with the team at Polygon Labs to develop and market the game.”
Ryan Wyatt, President of Polygon Labs, added:
“Nexon selecting Polygon Supernets to power its worldwide hit MapleStory Universe sends a strong message to the entire gaming industry about the future of blockchain gaming. 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.”
Each of the NFTs within the MapleStory Universe will have in-game utility, with MapleStory N in particular standing out for its stance of no pre-sales and no in-game shop – with NFTs available purely through in-game play.
For more details on the MapleStory Universe, visit their website, and follow them on Twitter.
