MapleStory Universe: A New Era for MapleStory

MapleStory Universe is the new crypto-fueled ecosystem for the two-decade-old cult classic role-playing game series, MapleStory. After launching its flagship game last month, the developers are hoping to release more than a dozen mobile and web experiences by Q1 2026 that complement the core MapleStory N game.

What is MapleStory N?

MapleStory N is a PC-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that resembles the original side-scrolling game, which amassed 260 million players. In-game items for MapleStory N are represented as NFTs on the dedicated Avalanche L1 gaming network, Henesys, and can be freely traded on the marketplace.

Vision for Expansion

This is just the first installment in the broader crypto MapleStory Universe, aimed at lowering the barriers to entry with future additions. Keith Kim, head of strategy at developer Nexpace—the blockchain arm of gaming giant Nexon—mentioned the limitations of a PC-only title.

> “How do we extract the core fun of these core games and make it available on mobile, on the go, or on the web?” – Keith Kim

Kim envisions a model similar to EA FC’s Ultimate Team gameplay loop, where players can engage on mobile while enhancing their main game experience.

Upcoming Features

The first of these experiences will be a web app, expected in late July or early August, enabling players to enhance their items. Kim stated, “We’re extracting the core fun of MapleStory… all of these core components are now confined to the PC.”

The goal is to let players grind casually throughout their day and fully enjoy MapleStory N during their free time, responding to the evolving lifestyle of the player base.

Future Developments

A rental system is also in the works, allowing users to pay others to level up their characters, expected by Q1 2026 but still under discussion.

To realize its long-term vision, Nexpace is engaging with third-party developers for mobile and web experiences that integrate with the core game.

> “There will be easily over a dozen of these products to be rolled out by Q1 next year.” – Keith Kim

Currently, developers need approval from Nexpace to build a MapleStory Universe product, requiring an API key. Nexpace aims to transition to a more open model, collaborating with developers and rewarding them with NXPC tokens, with 80% of supply allocated for contributors.

Edited by Andrew Hayward