Nexon to Host MapleStory IP Hackathon: 'Maplethon' Call for Participants

Apr 26, 2026

Source: Nexon

Nexon (co-CEOs Kang Dae-hyun and Kim Jung-wook) announced on the 27th that it will host 'Maplethon,' a hackathon utilizing its flagship IP, 'MapleStory.'

The 'Maplethon' was organized to expand the value of the 'MapleStory' IP and revitalize the creative ecosystem by discovering unique new games.

Applications are open until May 11 to any adult aged 19 or older interested in the 'MapleStory' IP and game development. A total of 160 participants will be recruited, divided into two groups: the first for university and graduate students (including those expected to graduate) and the second for the general public.

Participants will be tasked with developing original games based on their own creative ideas, utilizing the vast resources of 'MapleStory' within Nexon's sandbox platform, 'MapleStory Worlds.' Throughout the process, participants will receive various benefits, including team building, foundational training for 'MapleStory Worlds,' professional development, and mentoring, as well as the opportunity to receive evaluations and feedback from current industry professionals.

The total prize pool is ₩20 million, with each group awarding ₩5.5 million for the Grand Prize, ₩3 million for the Top Excellence Award, and ₩1.5 million for the Excellence Award. Furthermore, games developed through 'Maplethon' can be launched and serviced on 'MapleStory Worlds' and may also be submitted to the 'MapleStory Global Development Contest,' which begins accepting applications on May 28.

The 'MapleStory Global Development Contest' is a program designed to discover and support global game developers who can creatively expand the core appeal of the 'MapleStory' IP. Nexon plans to select 30 teams based on criteria such as IP interpretation, expansion, completeness, and sustainability, with a total investment of ₩1.8 billion, providing each team with support ranging from approximately 50 million to ₩90 million.

Detailed information regarding 'Maplethon' and the 'MapleStory Global Development Contest' can be found on the official 'MapleStory Worlds' website.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated with the help of NC AI. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom. [Read Original]