MapleStory was a type of games you sunk hours into since you had enough time to burn and really didn't have the cash to pay on retail games or monthly fees for persistent MMORPGs. It was an earlier example with the modern free-to-play model back when subscriptions were standard. The game was simple in scope; MapleStory works like a 2D side-scrolling RPG with multiple classes, and quests for fighting increasingly powerful (and quite often cute) enemies. And a simple chibi art style and catchy soundtrack pulled it all together.
It's been 20 years since Maplestory first launched in Korea, and also the sequel has officially launched MapleStory 2 Mesos within the West with all the localized version of MapleStory 2--the sport has been are now living in Korea since 2015. In that time, Nexon has adapted its long-time MMORPG franchise having an overhauled economy and 3D gameplay. We were capable to speak with Nexon America president Jungsoo Lee and live games department director Hyun Joo Kim around the transition and the achievements like to get the sequel westward. The following interview was edited for clarity and readability.
Did you approach MapleStory 2 using the original audience planned, or was the strategy to go for a very different audience on this occasion?
Jungsoo Lee: I wouldn't say there exists a specific customers for MapleStory 2. Of course, we are planning to reach out to every one of the old MapleStory fans, but because the game continues to be significantly grown coming from all this different content, a great deal of players actually left. They feel like it is a different MapleStory. Our approach may be 'let's test the market' to discover what sort of players really like the sport. By the way, if you are interested to buy cheap MS2 Mesos, stay tuned for more at mmoah.