Why Was MapleStory 2 Discontinued?
Reasons for the Discontinuation of MapleStory 2:
- MapleStory 2 was shut down because it wasn’t the same cash cow that MapleStory had become and was actually cannibalizing their own playerbase.
- Nexon disappointed many players, citing that the game did not seem futuristic or a real replacement for the traditional MapleStory and had poor server connectivity.
- The game’s graphics were hard for players to get used to, leading to a realization that it was not worth the time or effort invested.
- The shutdown is ultimately due to the fact that the game, and its more recent rework, have failed to live up to expectations and will see the global servers, website, forums, and Discord server for MapleStory 2 turned off later this spring.
- It seems the sequel has proven far less popular than the original, so much so that it’s closing on May 27 – less than two years after its western October 2018 launch (it launched in South Korea in 2015, and then China in 2017).
- Unfortunately, the developers could not cope with the demands for newer content.
- Nexon is aware that MapleStory is their main cash cow besides mobile gaming ports overseas and it takes little to no actual ingenuity to upkeep and come up with events for it.
- Maplestory will shut down when Nexon sees that Maplestory isn’t making enough money to make it worthwhile updating and maintaining.
- The game is GOING to shut down the Global server within about a year, maybe two if we keep supporting it. So I surmise that they are just letting you play the end game that is available in Korea in global because of plans to either shut down Global or shut down the entirety of MapleStory.
Are There Alternative Servers for MapleStory 2?
Yes, there are alternative servers for MapleStory 2. Here are some options:
- Eluna: Eluna is an up-to-date, semi-custom server that offers a fun, friendly and stable experience across all regions. We have channels setup in NA, EU, SEA, and OCE to bring low ping and no lag to all of our players. We provide all skills including 6th job 2nd mastery, all bosses up to Extreme Kaling, boosted arcane & sacred symbols, hyper burning, and more! This server is geared towards both casual and tryhard players, allowing you to reach endgame and experience content you may not have had the chance to try before.
- AriesMS: If you’re looking for an enhanced MapleStory experience, try out AriesMS, a free-to-play multi-region MapleStory private server. This game server focuses on region-friendly stability, with no Play2Win or Vote2Win mechanics, and skill balancing. Additional features include customized party and merchant interfaces, custom gachapon, and much more.
- MapleKey v83: You can choose to play on the server’s newest version, MapleKey v83, which features the highest rates and best features. You can also do quests for experience and mesos. If you are interested in playing Silver MapleStory on your computer, this private server might be a good choice.
- Kastia v179: If you want a taste of what you could experience with MapleStory World but desire a modern and challenging feel, then the Kastia v179 server might be your best bet! This server has been developed in France and offers a uniquely challenging experience.
- Maplestory 2 Emulator: Additionally, you can explore the newly released Maplestory 2 Emulator to ‘play’ around in the game. There are resources available to help you get started, thanks to the efforts of dedicated developers.
What is the Future of MapleStory Franchise After 2020?
Future of the MapleStory Franchise After 2020
This year, Nexon’s blockchain game “MapleStory Universe” has been attracting a lot of attention as it prepares for operations. It is based on the MapleStory IP, which has more than 180 million users worldwide. The project is expected to build a community-centered C2E (Create To Earn) ecosystem that is distinct from existing web3 games.
Nexon’s “MapleStory Universe” project is not limited to just a gaming service. Instead, it aims to build an entire blockchain-based gaming ecosystem centered around NFT technology. This project consists of four main products that include a community-driven creation platform, thus encompassing more than just gaming services.
However, there is a growing gap between the speed of content consumption and creation. It is likely that the content production rate, which sufficiently maintains user playtime retention, has already reached a breaking point. Nexon may have decided to switch to a C2E ecosystem to encourage user-driven content production through rewards, in order to overcome this challenge.
As we enter 2024, Nexon‘s ambitious journey into Web3 gaming is in full swing. In 2022, Nexon had already made waves by announcing plans to launch a blockchain game based on its flagship IP, MapleStory. Nexon’s participation in the market is significant as it is a global gaming company and a center of innovation within the gaming industry.
Nexon is making great efforts to build a broader ecosystem powered by blockchain technology based on the MapleStory universe. In doing so, the company is investing significant capital and manpower. Additionally, it is experimenting with decentralized elements, which is rare in the traditional gaming industry. These efforts are aimed at adding sustainability to a long-term, successful game IP like MapleStory.
While there is a lot of excitement about MapleStory Universe, there are also concerns. One major challenge is the difficulty of providing official services in South Korea and China, which are key markets for MapleStory games. For example, blockchain games are currently not permitted in South Korea due to regulatory restrictions.
Nevertheless, Nexon has recognized this problem and has focused on the global market from the outset. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to its future strategy and direction. Furthermore, it remains uncertain whether a fee-based revenue model can generate enough revenue to replace the existing ‘cash shop’ model.
In summary, MapleStory Universe, a blockchain project by Nexon, explores the opportunities and challenges faced along with future prospects. Major game company Nexon is developing ‘MapleStory Universe’ through its subsidiary ‘NEXPACE.’ The aim is to evolve the popular online game ‘MapleStory,’ which boasts over 250 million users. For the expansion of its web3 IP, Nexon is earmarking a substantial $100 million investment.
