[Each day, Worlds in Motion will be taking a closer look at individual virtual worlds. We'll start with a nuts-and-bolts overview, then move on to an in-depth tour, to be followed up with a conclusion-- all with the aim of bringing you all the essential info and details on each world in the rapidly-developing virtual landscape.]
Let's kick off this week with a look at MapleStory, the hugely popular MMO from Nexon. Reported to have more than 60 million worldwide users (about three million in the US), we'll explore the world and find out what's driving such broad adoption.
Name: MapleStory
Company: Nexon
Established: April 2003 (Korea), May 2005 (Global), May 2007 (Europe)
How it Works: It requires the install of its own client and Direct X, and runs in its own app. Navigation is accomplished mostly via basic keyboard shortcuts and arrows, with some mouse-click for menus and interaction.
Overview: MapleStory is mainly classic MMO with some platform-style gaming elements mixed in-- it's unique in that it's a 2D sidescroller, rather than the usual three-quarter or first-person 3D environment. Users travel the various brightly animated fantasy worlds and defeat monsters, ideally in groups, to earn experience and goods. Players can also interact socially, participate in minigames and events, and even get married.
Payment Method MapleStory is free to play, and earns its revenue through microtransactions (prepaid cards are available at retailers like Target) and licensing-- Nexon has reported over $200 million in earnings.
Key Features
-Four different Job classes, with multiple sub-branches and levels therein
-Massive play area with multiple worlds divided into several regions
-Levies in-game virtual taxes
Useful Links:
MapleWiki
Gamasutra Q & A: Nexon Talks MapleStory
GM Blog
Comments (10)
I cant play it:
"Connection failed due to system error.
Please try again later."
Posted by X-N2O | August 9, 2007 8:29 AM
Posted on August 9, 2007 08:29
I have the same problem!
Posted by Sad Girl.. | August 17, 2007 4:23 AM
Posted on August 17, 2007 04:23
omg me too!
Posted by cassandra | November 20, 2007 6:04 PM
Posted on November 20, 2007 18:04
I dont know whats wrong with you guys but mine works perfectly with the ocassional lag
Posted by Corkey16 | December 7, 2007 9:47 AM
Posted on December 7, 2007 09:47
Hello everybody, my name is Damion, and I'm glad to join your conmunity,
and wish to assit as far as possible.
Posted by DamionKutaeff | March 22, 2008 5:38 PM
Posted on March 22, 2008 17:38
umm wel ive been mapling fer ages now and ive had some problems such as those
try ur firewall or connection(if u hav wireless make sure its a good connection)
plz dnt give up on this game i luv it an so many ppl luv it 2 so keep tryin an ask fer help on the maple site! it relli helps ppl are good there an will acyually help u
HAPPY MAPLING! LOL
Posted by MILKYFARMER | April 1, 2008 5:11 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 05:11
hey just to tell u guys. I would download the manuel patch and then download the Mssetup. Anyways i dont liks Ms anymore.. it takes to long to lvl and all that stuff. You guys should try private server..
Most private server need the version .55 dont patch it if u hve a private server. Anyways i play Finalstory. Anybody wana add me its standardX(my main) and my other account is standardX2(2nd char). Ty come play Finalstory. Vote for Finalstory!! and the website for Finalstory is www.finalstory.org! come play! cya in Final!
Posted by nick | July 22, 2008 3:04 PM
Posted on July 22, 2008 15:04
for rule poker
Posted by rule poker rules | July 27, 2008 4:03 PM
Posted on July 27, 2008 16:03
zzzz
Posted by 문준호 | July 30, 2008 8:54 AM
Posted on July 30, 2008 08:54
ola
Posted by manoloi | October 4, 2008 11:19 AM
Posted on October 4, 2008 11:19