**Nexon Chooses Avalanche Blockchain for MapleStory Universe**
South Korean gaming company Nexon has announced that it will use the Avalanche blockchain for its upcoming game, MapleStory Universe. Initially planned to launch on the Ethereum scaling network Polygon, Nexon made the switch to Avalanche due to the benefits it offers. The game, a spin-off from the popular MapleStory MMORPG, will incorporate blockchain elements such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for unique in-game items.
**Why Nexon Chose Avalanche over Polygon**
– Angela Son, Partnerships Lead at MapleStory Universe, explained that Nexon decided to move away from Polygon because of the advantages offered by Avalanche.
– Ava Labs, the team behind Avalanche, has been assisting with server and infrastructure needs for MapleStory Universe.
– Avalanche is considered secure and capable of supporting various GameFi projects.
– The decision to switch was made after Polygon Labs discontinued support for Polygon Edge, which allows projects to build custom Ethereum-compatible chains.
**MapleStory N Launching on Avalanche**
– MapleStory N, the first game under the MapleStory Universe umbrella, is set to launch on PC by the end of 2024.
– Nexon will operate the game using an Avalanche subnet, which provides a dedicated and customizable instance of the blockchain.
– Other game studios have already used Avalanche subnets for their games, including Shrapnel and Off the Grid.
**Benefits of Using Blockchain in MapleStory Universe**
– The game will focus on user-generated content and reward players who create content for the game.
– By tokenizing in-game items as NFTs, MapleStory Universe aims to provide a wider range of experiences for players.
– Limited item quantities create a sense of scarcity and competition among players, enhancing gameplay and adding a new fun factor to MapleStory N.
**Closing Thoughts**
MapleStory Universe’s decision to switch from Polygon to Avalanche demonstrates the benefits and potential of blockchain technology in the gaming industry. By embracing NFTs and user-generated content, the game aims to provide a unique and rewarding experience for players. With its secure infrastructure and support for GameFi projects, Avalanche proves to be a suitable choice for Nexon’s ambitious venture into the crypto world. As MapleStory N prepares for its launch, gamers can look forward to exploring a new frontier in the beloved MapleStory universe.