Top South Korean gaming company, Nexon, has kickstarted a move to incorporate blockchain into its framework through MapleStory, its massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG game title). This development comes after the company's initial disinterest in play-to-earn blockchain games.

The COO of Nexon, Kang Dae Hyun, said:

"Our goal is to create a virtual world where NFTs can be transferred freely. We will build an integrated ecosystem where MapleStory NFTs can cross into and be used in other blockchain ecosystems around the world, while also accepting external NFTs into our own universe."

According to Nexon, the plan is to build the NFT ecosystem, which will use the adventure island of MapleStory. Thus, the game's universe will be a bridge into the purported metaverse. However, it would not be rushing things, but instead, it will start by incorporating the blockchain technology before expanding its frontiers.

During the Nexon Developers Conference on Wednesday, Kang noted:

"It has been less than a year since the hype over the Play-to-Earn model first began. Since it still is in the fledgling stage, blockchain games have shown many flaws with its much emphasis on selling coins and items to make a profit."

Kang also revealed that the company is working on four projects – MapleStory N, Mod N, MapleStory N Mobile, and MapleStory SDK. The first mentioned project is an RPG game where players collect and own NFTs and tokens by destroying monsters and completing various adventures.

The project will not host cash shops or items, so the only way players can own items will be when they play the games. Mod N will be a platform where users can create games and content using tools in MapleStory, while MapleStory N SDK will allow users to create NFT-based apps using assets from the kit.