MapleStory Universe (MSU), the blockchain-powered expansion of Nexon’s iconic MapleStory franchise, today marks its first anniversary following the launch of MapleStory N on May 15, 2025. Over the past year, the platform has recorded more than 150 million cumulative on-chain transactions and surpassed 3.82 million accounts registered, reflecting sustained participation from a global player base and continued development of the ecosystem.

One year in, MSU is entering its next phase with the introduction of MSU 2.0, an expansion designed to transform how intellectual property (IP), builders, and players interact in a shared digital environment, supported by AI creation tools and on-chain infrastructure. MSU 2.0 will be implemented throughout 2026 to 2027, as new features will be progressively developed and released for the builders.

A Benchmark Launch That Set a New Standard

MSU launched in May 2025 as one of the largest debuts in the Web3 gaming ecosystem. Built on the MapleStory IP, the pre-launch Scroll NFT campaign recorded approximately 1.7 million scrolls minted, officially confirmed as the largest NFT mint in Avalanche network history. On launch day, MSU-related weekly active addresses on the Avalanche network increased by 549 percent, reflecting strong user interest and anticipation surrounding the title’s release.

Following launch, the marketplace has continued its strong performance, with more than 446,716 buyers and sellers transacting daily on average. To date, MSU has accounted for 23.3% of total activity on the Avalanche network, representing a substantial share of activity across leading chains. MSU’s native NXPC token was also listed on seven major exchanges at launch, including Binance, Bybit, Upbit, and Bithumb.

Sunyoung Hwang, CEO, Nexpace, said: “What began as one of the largest launches in Web3 gaming has developed into a platform built for long-term participation. In the past year, we focused on building the infrastructure and discipline required to support our community over the long term. Ever since then, MSU has evolved beyond a single game into infrastructure for creation, commerce, and participation. That shift defines what it means for an IP to become an economic system and a foundation for the next generation of online worlds.”

Introducing MSU 2.0, the Next Chapter for MapleStory Universe

MSU is now advancing into its next phase through the rollout of MSU 2.0, an expansion designed to turn IPs from friction-heavy, abstract assets into programmable, on-chain commerce. Designed to broaden participation across the ecosystem and support new forms of creation, distribution, and commercialization, MSU 2.0 reflects the continued evolution of MapleStory Universe from a single game environment into a scalable platform.

Hwang added: “MSU 2.0 is the next phase of our growth journey. Our goal is to expand the role of IP from something people experience to something they can actively build with, share, and grow together, akin to an infinite IP playground. From here, our priority is to build the infrastructure that will support a larger and more connected IP ecosystem.”

At the core of MSU 2.0 is VIBE IP, a new tech stack built on two foundational pillars that redefine what it means to build with IP on-chain. The first pillar transforms IP access by providing builders access to gameplay and behavioral data from MapleStory N through dedicated APIs, turning IP from brand assets to living, data-rich foundation to create on in accordance with applicable privacy laws. The second pillar establishes an on-chain builder economy on the Henesys chain, built on an Avalanche L1streamlining IP licensing, revenue settlement, and payments into a single system.

Together, these pillars are supported by blockchain infrastructure and AI-powered creation tools. Blockchain allows seamless licensing, payment and settlement, fully on-chain, while AI-powered “vibe coding” allows anyone’s idea to become a full-scale product, enabling broader participation in building and launching IP-driven content. This foundation positions MSU to onboard additional Nexon IPs over time, building an AI-powered and On-chained IP multiverse, with the VIBE IP tech stack gradually rolling out in phases over the coming months.

MapleStory N One-Year Anniversary Update

MapleStory N, the flagship game by MSU, has delivered a series of milestones over the past year that reflect sustained player engagement across the ecosystem. The year-end winter update generated more than 130,000 user inflows, with approximately three-quarters representing new users. This update also drove in-game spending to its highest level since the immediate post-launch period, with player spending outpacing rewards distributed, reflecting a more active and sustainable in-game economy driven by deeper engagement.

Building on this momentum, MapleStory N is now more accessible to mainstream players. Casual users can engage with the game like any traditional MMORPG, with less blockchain hurdle. Web3 features have been refined to deliver meaningful value while maintaining a seamless gameplay experience, making the platform easier for a broader audience to adopt.

As MapleStory N enters its second year, the development team will roll out waves of in-game updates at an accelerated pace, expanding gameplay and introducing new challenges. This will be supported by a steady cadence of major releases throughout the year, including highly anticipated Black Mage update and other milestone content. MSN will also introduce a new MVP system designed to provide ongoing benefits to dedicated players and keep them motivated to continue playing. Starting with the MVP system, MSN plans to continuously expand the program by introducing more diverse criteria and rewards, ensuring that a wider range of players can be recognized and rewarded over time. For more information, users can visit the official website.

About NEXPACE

NEXPACE, an innovative blockchain company based in Abu Dhabi, pioneers an IP-expansion initiative powered by blockchain technology and NFTs to build a community-driven ecosystem. With a mission to redefine interactive entertainment, NEXPACE creates a vibrant space for exploring, sharing, and engaging with diverse content and gameplay crafted by community members.

At the heart of NEXPACE’s ecosystem are principles of transparency, security, and trust, empowering builders to freely share their ideas and enabling users to enjoy immersive experiences. By fostering a culture of creative expression, NEXPACE envisions a secure, collaborative environment that unites ecosystem participants in a thriving digital community.

Contact

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Bee Shin
Wachsman
bee.shin@wachsman.com

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