Nexpace Forges Ahead with AI-Powered Builder Platform and On-Chain Creator Economy
Celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year, Nexon’s iconic side-scrolling massively multiplayer online role-playing game, **MapleStory**, stands as a cornerstone of the Korean game company’s intellectual property portfolio. This enduring legacy now transitions into the Web3 era through Nexpace’s innovative vision.
As the digital landscape evolves into the **Web3 era**, **Nexpace**, Nexon’s dedicated blockchain division based in Abu Dhabi, is significantly expanding this megahit IP’s reach with the innovative **MapleStory Universe**.
“Over the past year, we have successfully laid the groundwork for our ambitious **MapleStory Universe** vision,” affirmed **Nexpace CEO Hwang Sun-young** in a recent video interview with The Korea Herald.
Hwang further elaborated, “Since the launch of **MapleStory N** a year ago, we have established a sustainable model, ensuring continued service through robust sales and a growing base of active users.”
**MapleStory N**, a PC-based MMORPG integral to the **MapleStory Universe**, leverages **blockchain technology** to pioneer a **play-to-earn (P2E)** model. This innovative system allows players to earn valuable **digital assets** directly through gameplay, which can then be traded or converted into **NXPC**, Nexpace’s native **cryptocurrency**. NXPC is currently listed on leading exchanges, including Binance, Bybit, Upbit, and Bithumb.
Hwang noted that **MapleStory N** currently sustains a “mid-tier” active user base within Nexon’s extensive gaming ecosystem. While not on par with Nexon’s largest live-service titles, this user scale is robust enough to support long-term, stable operations.
“The **monetization efficiency** is remarkably high,” Hwang stated. “This is largely because players experience genuine ownership of their in-game assets, fostering a greater willingness to invest within the **ecosystem**.”
Since its May launch last year, **MapleStory Universe** has already generated approximately $31 million in revenue, coupled with over 150 million **on-chain transactions**, according to Nexpace.
With the proven success and staying power of **MapleStory N**, Hwang announced that Nexpace is now advancing to **”MSU 2.0″** – the next ambitious phase of the **MapleStory Universe**. This evolution integrates **artificial intelligence (AI)** to empower creators, enabling them to generate new **MapleStory-inspired games and content** effortlessly through simple prompts.
Hwang elaborated on the capabilities: “Utilizing **AI vibe coding technology**, our platform makes it incredibly easy for users to combine the skills of one character with another, or to design unique monsters by merging various features from different creatures, all with simple text prompts.”
“Essentially,” he continued, “we have developed a powerful gateway that significantly streamlines the creation of **MapleStory-like games**, enabling users to leverage existing game assets and logic through advanced **AI tools** much faster and easier.”
According to the **Nexpace CEO**, **MSU 2.0** rests on two crucial pillars. The first involves providing smoother, more accessible entry to the **MapleStory IP** for all users. The second establishes a robust **on-chain builder economy**, consolidating licensing, revenue settlement, and payments into a unified system powered by the **Henesys chain**.
“On the **Henesys chain**,” Hwang explained, “all transactions between Nexpace, as the licenser, and independent builders are processed seamlessly through **Web3 contracts**, leveraging **vibe coding technology**. This foundational system allows builders to concentrate their efforts entirely on creating innovative new content.”
Highlighting that **Nexpace** envisions a broader scope beyond the **MapleStory Universe**, Hwang revealed that the blockchain firm’s core objective is to expand these interconnected digital universes to include more of **Nexon’s diverse game titles**. Discussions with Nexon Korea regarding this expansion have been ongoing since last year.
He concluded, “While **MapleStory N** will remain a steadfast game within this thriving **Web3 ecosystem**, we are committed to significantly expanding the **MapleStory Universe** further this year by making our valuable assets even more accessible and user-friendly for creators and players alike.”
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