In a strategic move to accelerate the adoption of digital currencies in gaming, Crypto.com has partnered with NEXPACE, the Web3-focused subsidiary of global gaming firm NEXON. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 30, and it centers around the integration of Crypto.com’s payment solution, Crypto.com Pay, into the NEXPACE gaming ecosystem.
NEXPACE, which is responsible for the Web3 development of NEXON’s titles including the recently launched MapleStory Universe, stated that this integration will allow players to conduct secure, efficient cryptocurrency payments across both current and upcoming games. The partnership is also expected to open new avenues in customer reward programs and non-fungible token (NFT) utilization strategies, marking a broader shift in how digital transactions and ownership are perceived within gaming communities.
Bridging Payments and Gameplay
Crypto.com’s involvement brings a trusted and globally recognized digital payment system to NEXPACE’s expanding suite of Web3 games. This collaboration is seen as a foundational step toward building more immersive and transactional game environments where in-game economies can be sustained through blockchain infrastructure.
Company representatives from both sides underscored their mutual ambition to redefine the intersection between real-world financial systems and virtual gameplay. Crypto.com’s leadership highlighted that the integration of their payment tools into a dynamic gaming ecosystem like NEXPACE signals a key achievement in their ongoing mission to provide seamless crypto transaction solutions for mainstream users.
For NEXPACE, the adoption of Web3 infrastructure is not merely technical—it represents a paradigm shift. The company noted that this partnership demonstrates the increasingly close alignment between the future of interactive entertainment and the broader blockchain economy.
MapleStory’s Transition into Web3
Originally launched in 2003, MapleStory became one of the most iconic 2D MMORPGs globally, establishing a large fanbase and generating billions in revenue over two decades. Building on this legacy, NEXON expanded the franchise into the decentralized gaming sphere with the May 15 release of MapleStory N, a Web3-enabled evolution of the classic game.
Built on the Avalanche-based Henesys Layer 1 network, MapleStory N combines the nostalgic gameplay of the original with blockchain-based mechanics such as NFT item ownership and a decentralized game economy. This venture reflects a wider industry trend toward integrating digital ownership into long-standing game franchises.
Community Caution and Early Response
Despite the forward-looking agenda, NEXPACE acknowledged the sensitivity of introducing blockchain elements into beloved IPs. The company’s CEO, Sun Young Hwang, addressed concerns within the community, noting that some resistance was expected due to skepticism surrounding Web3 in traditional gaming circles. However, initial feedback from early participants has been promising.
According to the company, over 500,000 players engaged in the Genesis Phase playtests of MapleStory N, with user retention reportedly ranging between 45% and 47%. These figures suggest that players are responding positively to the early tokenomics and decentralized features being introduced.
Hwang emphasized that widespread adoption of Web3 gaming hinges on delivering enjoyable, smooth, and sustainable gaming experiences. He indicated that the industry must evolve beyond experimental tech showcases and focus on building robust, user-centric ecosystems that elevate the gaming experience while leveraging blockchain capabilities.
Looking Ahead
As Crypto.com and NEXPACE deepen their integration efforts, the collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of blockchain-powered games. With secure payment infrastructure, cross-chain compatibility, and a growing user base, both firms are aiming to redefine how players interact with virtual worlds.
This partnership reinforces the emerging view that Web3 gaming is not only about decentralization, but also about delivering meaningful and accessible innovation to players across the globe.
