At MSU, We Aim To Merge Global IP With Web3 To Build Gaming Economy Rooted In Fun, Ownership, And Longevity, Says Dominic Jang
As the global gaming landscape evolves, few projects embody the bold leap from Web2 to Web3 quite like MapleStory Universe (MSU) — the blockchain-based expansion of Nexon’s iconic IP.
Spearheaded by NEXPACE, Nexon’s dedicated Web3 division headquartered in Abu Dhabi, MSU is redefining what sustainable, community-driven gaming economies can look like.
Backed by a $100M commitment and with over 17.6 million transactions and 470,000+ active wallets from public playtests, MSU is more than a Web3 experiment — it’s a blueprint for the future of gaming.
During the TOKEN2049 Dubai, we sat down with Dominic Jang, Chief Business Officer & Vice President, Nexpace Limited, MapleStory Universe, to explore the convergence of gaming, culture, and blockchain.
With over 15 years in global game operations and business development, Dominic shares his vision for building lasting Web3 ecosystems, why the UAE is emerging as a Web3 gaming hub, and how MSU is empowering creators and players through UGC, digital ownership, and on-chain innovation. Here’s an excerpt from that conversation with Benzinga.
What sets MSU’s approach to Web3 gaming apart from traditional play-to-earn models?
What differentiates MapleStory Universe from the traditional play-to-earn model is the foundation it is built on: a globally recognized, time-tested IP with a massive existing player base. MapleStory IP, developed by Nexon, has accumulated over 250 million registered users worldwide and has generated $5 billion in lifetime revenue since its launch. We are bringing this proven franchise with over two decades of live-service operation for community trust. In the past, many play-to-earn models have historically launched without in-depth consideration of entertainment value in gameplay or users, relying on financial incentives to attract short-term attention. This has often led to unsustainable economies and rapid user churn. In contrast, MapleStory Universe brings blockchain functionality to a world that already has depth, longevity, and a deeply engaged community.
Another key distinction is MapleStory’s extensive underground economy, which has long existed outside of official game ecosystems. Although not officially endorsed, this underground peer-to-peer economy across global servers is considered a billion-dollar market. Players trade rare items, accounts, and services through unofficial grey markets. These economies emerged organically due to strong player demand, but in the web2 world, they were unregulated and risky. MapleStory Universe addresses this by formalizing these behaviors on-chain, giving players secure, transparent ownership and the ability to engage in value creation within a supported framework. We aim to transcend the project by combining the strengths of a globally successful IP with the capabilities of Web3, creating a gaming economy where fun, ownership, and longevity go hand-in-hand.
How is MSU building a sustainable, community-driven economy in its game ecosystem?
MSU’s economy is designed to be adaptive, participatory, and resistant to speculative pressure. At its core is NXPC, the ecosystem token powered by the Nexpace Protocol, which governs the flow of value through two key mechanics: Fission and Fusion. Players redeem NXPC for NFTs when needed, and return NFTs for NXPC when utility shifts. This keeps the economy aligned with player-driven gameplay.
Designing for scale and longevity is a key sustainable factor for MSU as well. This is where the Nexpace Protocol plays a central role. MapleStory Universe is only the first of many IPs to …
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