Latest news with #NEXPACE
Business Insider
28-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
MapleStory Universe Expands Infinite IP Playground Vision with Developer Tools and Legacy IP Expansion
With the onboarding of APIs, builder momentum and new IP, NEXPACE continues to drive efforts in turning players into builders and IP into ecosystems. MapleStory Universe (MSU), the blockchain-powered expansion of Nexon's game IP, today announced a series of new developments that bring to life its Infinite IP Playground (IIPP) vision through Meta play. These include the roll out of new developer infrastructure, the first of its enhancement API, and the reveal of the next Nexon IP to onboard into the ecosystem. MSU's Infinite IP Playground in Action The IIPP vision has always been about expanding the boundaries of play, from locked-in gameplay loops to open-ended systems where players and builders can co-create experiences. With recent developments, users and the community alike can get a glimpse into what this future looks like: with a focus on infrastructure, builder momentum and cross-IP scalability. 'The Infinite IP Playground isn't just an idea, it's becoming an ecosystem,' said Sunyoung Hwang, CEO of NEXPACE. 'From game logic APIs to builder tools, from new IPs to open infrastructure, MSU is laying the groundwork for a gaming model where creativity, ownership, and community are core.' Ecosystem Expansion: APIs, Builders and Infrastructure As part of its infrastructure expansion, MSU has activated its first gameplay logic API focused on item enhancement, a familiar progression mechanic from MapleStory. Going live on 29 July, Smithy will be the first prototype of Meta play Services to complete and test the enhancement API in a live environment, laying the foundation for more flexible, community-driven possibilities. Smithy also opens the door for future builders to create services using that same enhancement logic, from strategic tools to creating entirely new user experiences. This is the first step in a broader plan to open up other core gameplay pillars through APIs within the upcoming Builder Center, allowing builders to explore, expand and innovate beyond MapleStory's original boundaries. Leveraging on Builder Ecosystem Momentum Since opening its API access, more than 50 independent teams have started building within the MSU ecosystem, including dashboards, guild tools, prediction apps, and marketplace services. Some of these builders' work has already gone live, providing data-driven support and analysis to players. To further support this builder momentum, MSU is rolling out the following infrastructure upgrades: Builder Center: A new portal for developers onboarding, API integration, and modular on/off-chain tools. (Q4 2025) Permissionless Chain: A blockchain layer open to any builder to deploy smart contracts and dApps within the MSU ecosystem Chainlink CCIP integration: Enabling secure cross-chain interactions to expand user experience by supporting seamless use of digital items across different chains MSU has also confirmed the creation of an ecosystem fund to support early-stage projects aligned with the Infinite IP Playground vision. It will support initiatives across Meta play, SocialFi, AI-enhanced gameplay, and community tooling. New IP will Join the Nexpace's Ecosystem Building on the foundation laid by MapleStory Universe, another one of Nexon's iconic game franchises will be the next IP to integrate into the ecosystem, introducing new gameplay formats and creator possibilities. While details will be shared progressively, this signals NEXPACE's commitment to supporting diverse Nexon IP experiences as a multi-IP platform, built not just for one title but for a future where legacy franchises evolve through community-driven innovation. Looking ahead, these developments will be part of MSU's broader 2025 roadmap: August: Launch of ecosystem support policies and additional API enhancements September–November: Rollout of third-party Synergy Apps and services onboard December: Launch of a new Builder Center, expansion of the API suite and MapleStory N Winter Update 'These updates mark a turning point for MapleStory Universe,' added Sunyoung Hwang, CEO of NEXPACE. 'We're not just adding tools or onboarding new IPs, we're building the foundations of a platform where players and builders can shape the future of web3 gaming worlds together.' 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 creators 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 Bee Shin
Arabian Post
14-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Tencent Set to Pursue Nexon Takeover
Tencent is reportedly in discussions to acquire Nexon, the developer behind MapleStory and Dungeon & Fighter, in a deal that could exceed US$15 billion, signalling a strategic push into South Korea's gaming and Web3 sectors. Chinese tech conglomerate Tencent has approached the family of Nexon's late founder Kim Jung‑ju, which controls a 44.4 per cent stake through NXC Corp, to explore acquiring a substantial portion or full control of the company. The proposed transaction, valued at around 20 trillion won, aims to secure Tencent long‑term rights to Nexon's celebrated intellectual property while bolstering its position in South Korea's lucrative gaming market. Nexon, founded in Seoul in 1994 and now headquartered in Tokyo, is best known for its enduring franchises MapleStory and Dungeon & Fighter. The firm has been a pioneer in integrating games with Web3 technologies, launching a blockchain division dubbed NEXPACE and rolling out MapleStory Universe—complete with NFT item mechanics, token economies and a gasless transaction system on the Avalanche network. The NXPC token was listed on major crypto exchanges, reflecting deep commitment to a decentralised gaming strategy. ADVERTISEMENT While Tencent had previously tried to acquire Nexon in 2019—efforts fell through over valuation disagreements—the company has since fortified its global gaming footprint with a US$1.3 billion investment in Ubisoft and a 10 per cent stake in South Korea's SM Entertainment, a major K‑pop label. Its renewed interest in Nexon aligns with a broader ambition to dominate both blockchain and traditional gaming domains, despite sector‑wide funding slowdowns and reduced daily active user metrics in Web3 games. Sources emphasise that while discussions are underway, no definitive agreement has been reached and terms remain fluid. The Kim family is reportedly consulting financial advisers on the potential sale. Part of the complexity stems from their decision last year to transfer shares to settle inheritance taxes, a move that added governmental and family stakeholders into the mix. Nexon has seen its share price rise over 10 per cent in 2025, though it remains about 30 per cent below its 2021 peak. The Tokyo‑listed firm was valued at approximately US$15–16.6 billion, depending on market conditions. Tencent's remote stance with acquired studios suggests that any purchase may leave Nexon's operational autonomy largely intact. But the deal could deliver Tencent stronger access to Western and Asian markets, reinforcing its Web3 and blockchain ambitions. For Nexon, aligning with Tencent offers capital resources to scale blockchain gaming efforts and deepen development of blockchain-enabled platforms such as MapleStory Universe. Since launching MapleStory N in May 2025, the company has leveraged its Web3 unit's Abu Dhabi‑based NEXPACE to expand global blockchain gaming operations. With Tencent prioritising organic growth and strategic minority investments—such as expanding its blockchain infrastructure partnerships with TON Foundation and Chainbase—this potential acquisition represents one of its most ambitious M&A moves post‑2020 Chinese regulatory tightening. Should negotiations succeed, Tencent would gain direct control over multiple high‑value IPs and a formidable presence in South Korea's gaming ecosystem, presenting both strategic advantages and regulatory scrutiny across jurisdictions. The deal's complexity—woven through family, government, and market dynamics—ensures that stakeholders across the industry are closely watching every development.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crypto Exchanges Flock to List NXPC, Token Surges 115% on $1B Volume
Several exchanges including Binance and Korean platform Coinone have listed NEXPACE (NXPC), leading to a 115% surge in the token's value on the back of $1 billion in trading volume in the first three hours of trading. NEXPACE is a PC role-playing game that features on-chain item ownership. It is the the blockchain arm of South Korean video game developer Nexon. Binance Alpha users that have accumulated 187 Alpha points can claim 198 NXPC, worth $629 at current prices. Points are accrued by holding crypto tokens on the Binance exchange or in the Binance wallet. Binance's Alpha product is a way of distributing newly-launched tokens to users by accumulating points. It caused a stir in December when the platform's Chinese social media channel unintentionally posted a list of tokens that would potentially be launched, prompting the tokens to spike then crash back down. NXPC has debuted at a $550 million market cap with a fully diluted value (FDV) of $3.2 billion. FDV is calculated by multiplying the total supply by asset price, whilst market cap only considers circulating supply. More than $240 million of the $1 billion trading volume took place on Binance, with traders on Korean exchange Upbit also racking up $100 million worth of volume. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
