Perfecting the Online Games Ecosystem with MapleStory Universe

# This is an article that reconstructs the MapleStory Universe Token2049 Session titled “Perfecting the Online Games Ecosystem with MapleStory Universe.”

MapleStory, the classic MMORPG, has been a guiding star in the games cosmos for two decades. Boasting over 180 million registered users worldwide and a staggering $4 billion in franchise revenue, it has not just set industry standards but also redefined the essence of online RPGs. Beyond its immersive gameplay, MapleStory has demonstrated the sheer power of community engagement.

Gaming is no longer confined to the borders of the client. “Playing MapleStory” encompasses a rich tapestry of activities like cosplay, fan art, walkthroughs, forum discussions, live streaming, and even derivative games. These diverse pursuits have collectively woven a vibrant ecosystem around the game.

However, the relationship between game developers and the community has been subtly separated, with limited methods for integration or recognition of community contributions. This is where MapleStory Universe steps in, aiming to reshape this dynamic by revolutionizing the concept of Intellectual Property (IP) and franchise, ultimately empowering the community to flourish and evolve collectively.

Redefining Intellectual Property (IP)

In the realm of MapleStory Universe, IP is not limited to the adorable monsters that inhabit the Maple World. It extends to encompass the core experience of the game: the digital items that players acquire in-game. This is why MapleStory Universe and MapleStory N are dedicated to enhancing the Reward Experience (RX) of obtaining in-game digital items. It’s an effort to fortify the MapleStory IP and the very essence of playing the game.

Taking a step further, MapleStory Universe aims not only to redefine the definition of IP but also to transform its management and expansion. Traditionally, IP has been a tightly controlled domain of game developers and publishers. However, MapleStory Universe adopts a radically different approach — one that builds not just for players but with players.

Decentralizing the Ability to Create Items

Within the MapleStory Universe, items and characters are represented as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These blockchain-based digital tokens represent ownership of specific items, revolutionizing how we perceive ownership and interaction with in-game items.

By representing these items as NFTs, MapleStory Universe ushers in a new level of ownership and interoperability that transcends the boundaries of a single game. Players can now have an increased sense of ownership regarding their in-game items, even utilizing them in other compatible games or experiences connected with the core MapleStory IP.

But MapleStory Universe aims to be more than just that.

In traditional gaming landscapes, the creation of in-game items has been a closely guarded privilege reserved for developers. The process typically involves game designers, artists, and programmers working diligently to conceive and implement new items or features, but also has strongly classified online game service as a one-way relationship between the developer and the player. While this approach has resulted in countless beloved games, it has often left the broader game community as passive consumers rather than active contributors.

MapleStory Universe, in contrast, democratizes this creative process, entrusting the item creation to the community. This groundbreaking shift signifies a departure from the traditional developer-centric model towards a more inclusive, community-driven paradigm. Imagine a passionate fan of the game who dreams of crafting a unique experience based on the MapleStory IP, whether through a forum, streaming series, or even a complete game. In the past, their creative aspirations might have remained confined to fan art or forums, disconnected from the actual game. MapleStory Universe’s new approach empowers creators to shape the MapleStory Universe together with the community.

By decentralizing item creation, MapleStory Universe aligns all participants within the community. Players, builders, creators, and participants alike collaborate towards enriching the MapleStory IP and the NFTs within the Universe. This approach fosters a sense of contribution, allowing everyone to participate actively and subjectively in the community for the success and evolution of the MapleStory Universe.

Moreover, decentralization brings transparency and fairness to the online service operations process. Blockchain technology, at the core of MapleStory Universe, ensures trustworthy recognition and rewards for contributions. Creativity knows no geographical boundaries or hierarchical structures; it is open to all passionate about the MapleStory experience.

In this system, Nexpace no longer stands as the sole contributor to the MapleStory IP and content. Operating under the same principles as all other creators, Nexpace’s role is to provide the foundations of NFT utility and initial access to the MapleStory IP. MapleStory Universe is poised to redefine playing, servicing, and operating an online MMORPG, with the community at its heart, offering boundless potential for user-generated content that transcends the confines of a single game.

Conclusion: A Pioneering Path to Perfection

In conclusion, MapleStory Universe represents a pioneering effort to redefine the concept of IP and empower its community. By decentralizing the item creation function and fostering user-generated content, it has transformed players from mere consumers into active creators and stakeholders, united by their love for the MapleStory IP.

This groundbreaking approach paves the way for a more inclusive and collaborative future in the gaming industry. Here, the community’s passion and creativity drive the continued success and growth of the MapleStory Universe.

Join us on this voyage of MapleStory Universe and let your love for the game be the guiding star in shaping its exploration.