Source: Nexon

Nexon announced on the 28th that it will host the MapleStory Global Development Contest, featuring a total prize pool of approximately ₩1.8 billion. The contest is designed to creatively expand upon the core appeal of MapleStory, the company's popular online game and flagship intellectual property, while actively discovering global developers.

The contest will take place on MapleStory Worlds, a sandbox platform that houses a vast library of MapleStory resources. Anyone aged 14 or older is eligible to participate. From June 4 to October 7, participants are invited to develop and release new worlds that creatively expand or combine eight core elements of MapleStory: growth, exploration, hunting, combat, collection, cooperation, challenge, and competition.

Participants will receive a variety of practical benefits. For those new to development on MapleStory Worlds, the company will provide foundational educational materials on core systems for various game genres and operate a dedicated Q&A channel where participants can ask experts questions about development challenges. Additionally, a dedicated community will be available to help participants recruit team members and network to share development insights.

To help participants broaden their creative horizons and focus on development, Nexon is also introducing the MSW AI Toolkit to MapleStory Worlds.

By leveraging an AI model trained on MapleStory Worlds development data, users can easily create new worlds using 'vibe coding.' This feature will be available to both contest participants and existing creators. Furthermore, Nexon will provide free access to the resources and code for six original remade worlds—Meso Warrior, Maple Duel, Chu Chu Burger Shop #1, Metochess, Miner Simulator, and Monster Farm—allowing creators to freely utilize them in their own projects.

Entries will undergo a rigorous internal review based on IP interpretation, scalability, completeness, and sustainability, with 30 works advancing to the finals. Finalist teams will receive up to ₩50 million each in support, and the seven winning teams will be awarded an additional ₩40 million. Meanwhile, to support contest participants and beginners, Nexon will host one-day online bootcamps on the last Friday of each month from May to July, providing practical, platform-focused training. Further information regarding the MapleStory Global Development Contest can be found on the official website.