Six months after the successful launch of its PC MMORPG MapleStory N on its own Avalanche-based Henesys blockchain, Nexpace has set the scene for future long term expansion.
Nexon’s web3 division, which is based in Abu Dhabi, has announced the launch of an ecosystem fund that will invest up to $50 million to grow both MapleStory Universe and what it hopes will be “the broader Nexpace ecosystem”.
This will include supporting a wider category of web3 sectors including UGC, tokenized real-world assets, AI and financial infrastructure.
In this way, Nexpace hopes to expand MapleStory Universe beyond being just a blockchain game-focused project to one embracing the whole consumer onchain experience.
However, the fund will be based on the NXPC token and require supported projects to interact with MapleStory N as a foundation layer, as well as encouraging what Nexpace calls “entirely new ways of experiencing the MapleStory IP“.
Funding for the Ecosystem Fund will come from Nexpace and a group of strategic advisory partners including VCs such as Altos Ventures, Chainlink Labs, GSR and Hashed Ventures.
As well as money, these partners will provide additional services such as guide early-stage projects with support and mentorship, and co-develop ecosystem initiatives.
There will be an internal project review and approval process before any funds are deployed.
“This initiative reflects our belief that the future of gaming experiences and interactive entertainment depends on real-world utility and sustainability,” said Nexpace’s CEO Sunyoung Hwang.
“The Ecosystem Fund plans to serve as a catalyst for the expansion we’ve already been driving beyond games. It will accelerate our vision of building a connected universe where digital finance, AI, and builder innovation together form the foundation of a sustainable, player-driven economy.”