A Dash of Idle Gameplay Added to a Popular IP: "Maple Growing" Soars in Popularity

No. 1 in Sales on Google and Apple Stores for Four Consecutive Weeks
Enjoyable Character Growth Even with Short Play Sessions
Idle RPGs Address Limitations of High-Spec Games on Mobile Devices

Nexon's idle role-playing game (RPG) "Maple Growing" has held the top spot in mobile revenue rankings for over four consecutive weeks, surpassing Chinese games. The game is considered a success thanks to the strong brand recognition of the existing "MapleStory" intellectual property (IP) combined with the appeal of the idle genre, which does not require extended play sessions.

'Maple Growing' image. Provided by Nexon

According to Mobile Index on December 22, "Maple Growing" has achieved the number one spot in sales on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store for four consecutive weeks. It continues to maintain its real-time top ranking and has also claimed the monthly number one position on the App Store. Chinese games that had previously dominated the top ranks, such as "WOS: Whiteout Survival" and "Last War: Survival," have been pushed down the rankings.

Unlike assist modes (such as auto-hunting) that support automation during gameplay, idle RPGs allow characters to continue progressing even when the game is not running. This means users can perform simple actions and then focus on other tasks without dedicating excessive time to the game. When they log in a few hours later, their characters have gained experience and grown stronger. Due to its casual nature, the game is released exclusively as a mobile version.

A Nexon representative stated, "This is our first foray into the idle genre, and since 'MapleStory' is a popular IP with cute characters and well-developed growth elements, it seems to have created a synergy with this genre. We believe it is a genre optimized for mobile platforms, as users can grow their characters without feeling burdened."

Mobile devices have limitations for fully enjoying high-spec massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). In addition, the rise of short-form content consumption means that users who want to experience the fun of character growth in a busy lifestyle find idle RPGs on mobile platforms to be the perfect fit.

Previously, Netmarble also launched an idle RPG called "Seven Knights Idle" based on the Seven Knights IP. When this game was released in September 2023, it achieved cumulative sales of 4 million dollars (approximately 5.39 billion won) within just 45 days, contributing to Netmarble's strong performance. NCSoft also entered the idle genre last year with the release of "Journey of Monarch."

An industry insider commented, "Idle RPGs do not require blockbuster-scale development, so there is less burden in terms of manpower and investment. I believe the demand for the idle genre, which was once a niche market, will continue to grow."