Nexon's South Korean MapleStory Hacked

According to a news post on Kotaku.com, Nexon's South Korean MapleStory Servers have been hacked, compromising more than 13 million subscriber accounts and their personal information. No other servers in other regions have been compromised, although this still constitutes an enormous database breach (Kotaku is reporting via Yonhap News that the number exceeds 13 million subscribers). The information was obviously encrypted and this dosn't really affect anyone in North America, but it serves as a good reminder to update those passwords.

Also, is it just me or does it seem like these compromises are getting more frequent? Better upgrade on internet security!

MapleStory: Ascension Patch Revamps Wedding System

Following the discovery that 75% of MapleStory's in-game marriages end in annulment, Nexon decided to upgrade the wedding system in the newly launched Ascension update. Couples will actually earn rewards for staying married for 30 days, and then again at 100 days. Of course, you'll still have the option to end the union if things aren't working out.

In addition, the Ascension update features class revamps for warriors, magicians and bowmen, as well as new Monster Park dungeons. You can see it all in action by watching the Ascension trailer below.

Donate to Charity with Nexon's Karma Koin Cards

Beginning this month, Karma Koin cards will begin replacing Nexon Game Cards on store shelves. For every Karma Koin card redeemed, Nexon will donate a percentage of that amount to charity. Aside from that change, Karma Koin cards work exactly the same as the old Nexon Game Cards.

Karma Koin cards can be redeemed for NX and are available in $10, $25, and $50 amounts. If you plan to buy NX to use in Nexon games like Vindictus, Dragon Nest and MapelStory, you may want to head to your local store and pick up a Karma Koin card so part of your purchase wil go to a good cause!

To be clear, Nexon will continue to accept Nexon Game Cards. However, retailers will begin phasing them out during this transition period. It's all about Karma Koin card from here on out!

MapleStory Adventures Exceeds 1 Million Players

Nexon announced today that more than one million players have logged into Facebook to play MapleStory Adventures since the game entered open beta two weeks ago on July 27.

“Reaching one million users within just two weeks is an excellent milestone for MapleStory Adventures as it has spread mostly via word-of-mouth,” said Nexon America’s CEO Daniel Kim. “Our players have used Facebook to its full potential to get in on the action that MapleStory Adventures offers. To see its popularity rise so fast represents a huge victory for us.”

We recently sat down with Executive Producer Aron Koh to learn more about MapleStory Adventures. Check out the Q&A for all the details, then head over to the game's Facebook page if you'd like to try it out for yourself!

Q&A: MapleStory Adventures Brings Game to Facebook

MapleStory Adventures launched in open beta this week, bringing the popular free-to-play MMO to Facebook. We sat down with Executive Producer Aron Koh to fine out more about the game, including why Nexon decided to go the social networking route.

Keep reading after the jump to read Koh's answers to our questions. If the game interests you, head over to the MapleStory Adventures Facebook page and try it out!

MapleStory Expands to Facebook on July 27

MapleStory Adventures is scheduled to launch in open beta on July 27, which means all players will soon get to try out the Facebook version of MapleStory. Players will be able to interact with their friends by inviting them to complete quests. When hired, friends' avatars will appear alongside the player to help attack enemies. Players can also send gifts to their Facebook friends, allowing both parties to boost energy and level up their skills.

For more details, check out the MapleStory Adventures site and watch the trailer below.

MapleStory Adventures Brings Game to Facebook

Nexon has brought MapleStory to Facebook in the form of MapleStory Adventures, which is now in closed beta. The simplified version of the game lets players select the Magician or Warrior class and hire their friends to complete tasks.  As with most Facebook games, players can also send gifts to their friends like energy boosts and mystery boxes.

You currently need a closed beta key to try out the game on Facebook, but an open beta phase will soon allow all players into MapleStory Adventures. the open beta phase will introduce a cash shop which will feature gear that increases Attack Power and customization items to dress up avatars.

Want to see what MapleStory looks like on Facebook? Check out the trailer below!

New Island Zone is Coming to MapleStory on April 6

This... is... Chryse! Nexon has announced that a new island zone for players level 55-75 will be added to MapleStory on April 6. Players will be able to visit the island's Greek-inspired city and reconnect with the giants of Chryse, which will lead them to "battle Xerxes’ army of destruction and ultimately restore the giants’ power and peace throughout the island."

We've added some new Chryse screenshots to our gallery. Check them out to see what's in store for MapleStory this week.

Aftershock Update Will Introduce New Class

MapleStory was drastically changed by the recent Big Bang update, and it's time for the world to be hit by the Aftershock! The latest update, which is scheduled to launch this month, will introduce the Ultimate Explorer class. Players with a Cygnus Knight character that have reached the maximum level of 120 will have the chance to create a new Ultimate Explorer character.

In addition, Aftershock introduced a newly revamped guild system and the Castle of Von Leon adventure for level 120+ players. Characters that are level 70+ can also join a raid to fight Ani, Von Leon's right hand monster.

Get Your Game Made Through the Nexon Initiative!

Have an idea for a game but don't know what to do with it? Nexon has announced The Nexon Initiative, a program deisgned to promote the development of great game ideas. Anyone interested can submit their game and receive up to $1,000,000 in development funds, and land a publishing deal with Nexon.

Just head on over to the Nexon site for more details on how to enter. Currently the company is looking for online PC games that are widely accessible, have broad, universal appeal and encourage community interaction. As such, we are looking for online games on the PC (web or client) that have potential of being (or is designed to be) cross-platform.

The submission deadline is April 30, 2011. So get your idea out there today for your chance at $1,000,000!