Nexon Integrates Blockchain into MapleStory... Partners with Polygon

Nexon announced on the 22nd that it will collaborate with Polygon, a global leading blockchain protocol, to build the blockchain game ecosystem "MapleStory Universe."

At a presentation session held on March 21 (local time) at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, USA, during the "Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2023," Michael Blank, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Polygon Labs, introduced Nexon as a key partner. Nexon Group Leader Hwang Sun-young also appeared to introduce the "MapleStory Universe" project and the adoption process of the "Polygon Supernet." Polygon Supernet is a solution that allows global gaming companies to expand their business into Web 3.0 through dedicated blockchains.

Nexon will utilize the "Polygon Supernet" technology to develop the non-fungible token (NFT)-centered ecosystem "MapleStory Universe" and will technically cooperate to establish a stable gaming environment. The two companies will continue their partnership in various ways, including support for the latest technology and network infrastructure, as well as joint marketing, to ensure the successful global launch of "MapleStory Universe."

"MapleStory Universe" is a virtual world where NFTs are central to creating various tangible and intangible values. Within this, Nexon plans to introduce blockchain-based PC massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) such as "MapleStory N" and various other blockchain-based global projects. The goal is to create an ecosystem where NFTs acquired through gameplay such as hunting or quests can be widely utilized across various games and applications within the ecosystem.

Ryan Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Polygon Labs, stated, "Nexon's choice of 'Polygon Supernet' for the globally popular IP-based MapleStory Universe signifies a great meaning for the future of blockchain games," adding, "Korea is an important market for popularizing Web 3.0 games, and Polygon Labs will provide various solutions to realize this vision."

Group Leader Hwang said, "Through the partnership with Polygon, which is gaining attention in the global Web 3.0 market, we expect to expand the NFT ecosystem envisioned by MapleStory Universe," and added, "We will closely collaborate with Polygon in development and business aspects to advance the blockchain ecosystem of MapleStory Universe."