Nexon CEOs Apologize for "Maple Growth" Probability Controversy

Nexon to Compensate Users
Who Spent In-Game Currency During the Affected Period

Nexon has issued an apology to users regarding a probability controversy that arose in its popular idle mobile game "Maple Growth." The management stated that they will investigate the responsible party and take necessary actions, including dismissal.

Nexon Idle Mobile Popular Game Maple Growth. Provided by Nexon

On January 26, Kang Daehyun and Kim Jungwook, co-CEOs of Nexon Korea, posted a notice on the "Maple Growth" website, stating, "We sincerely apologize for causing great disappointment to our users regarding the issue of the maximum value for in-game ability options. Any changes in the game service process should be communicated transparently to users. As this is clearly the company's responsibility, we apologize on behalf of the company."

The co-CEOs explained, "For about a month, from November 6 last year until December 2 at 6:27 PM, the maximum value for ability options in Maple Growth did not appear as announced. The responsible department discovered this on December 2 and implemented a corrective patch without informing users." They further explained, "The reason the maximum value for ability options did not appear was because the probability in the ability calculation formula should have been set as 'less than or equal to,' but it was mistakenly set as 'less than.' Nexon Korea's management only learned of this issue belatedly on January 25 and take full responsibility."

Since the game's launch in November last year, Maple Growth users raised concerns about a probability error in the ability system, which randomly assigns in-game stats. To increase stats, users need to purchase related items with real money, but the maximum stat value was not being assigned. After complaints were filed, Nexon modified the system without notice, sparking controversy over a so-called "submarine patch" (an update made without public notice).

Going forward, Nexon plans to take necessary actions, including disciplinary measures against those responsible. The co-CEOs stated, "We will conduct a thorough investigation of the responsible party and take all disciplinary actions, including dismissal. We are currently conducting a rigorous review to prevent a recurrence of this issue, and if any further problems are found, we will promptly inform users and take action."

Nexon has also decided to compensate users who spent in-game currency during the affected period. The operations team will fully refund the "Medal of Honor" used for ability resets during that time and grant 200% of the paid currency spent for such purchases. All users will also receive free in-game items.