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The MMO genre is now really big business, with millions of subscribers paying monthly subs to log-on to their favourite digital world.
MapleStory from Nexon Group is a little different though, offering an MMO experience without the cost of a monthly sub. The game launched in South Korea in April 2003 and has gone on to achieve more than 67 million registered users across Asia and North America.
The game is now available for European gamers, completely free to download and play, but makes its money through chargeable micro-transactions for items such as character costumes and accessories.
MapleStory also separates itself from the crowd because of its stylised 2D visuals. The game plays out as a side-scrolling online game but still offers deep gameplay, with players embarking on quests and coming face to face with a host of monsters.
Nexon Europe plans to fully support the game in Europe with weekly updates, offering new game modes, quests, player skills and in-game items. Regular in-game events will also take place, designed to coincide with major European cultural events.
MapleStory is currently available to play in English, French, German, Spanish and Dutch and registration is open at mapleeurope.com.
