Nexon's First MMO Game, Maplestory, Reaches Three Million Users in North America

Los Angeles, CA – March 19, 2007 – Nexon America Inc., the U.S. division of Asia's leading online games company Nexon Corporation, is proud to announce its first release, MapleStory, has exceeded three million registered users in North America, making it one of the fastest growing MMO games. MapleStory's blockbuster success comes as Nexon America prepares for the upcoming April launch of Audition, a free-to-play, massively multiplayer online dance game.

Building on the MapleStory momentum, Audition expands Nexon's portfolio by providing an open, user-friendly virtual club for exciting dance-offs set to today's hottest music. In addition to testing rhythm game play skills in head-to-head, and team battle modes, players can socialize and customize avatars by selecting from over 1000 unique items from the in-game cash shop.

"With over three million registered players in North America, the global user base for MapleStory has reached almost 60 million," says John H. Chi, chief executive officer of Nexon America. "When you take into account the stunning viral success of our titles, as well as the Item Selling business model's extraordinary growth into the mainstream market in North America, Nexon is going to change not only the way people game, but socialize!"

Nexon also announces a second print run for its Nexon Game Cards at Target stores nationwide. The partnership with Target Corporation is the first of its kind for a mass-market retailer and MMO publisher, enabling consumers to redeem real dollars for virtual in-game items and accessories within MapleStory and its upcoming Audition. The gift cards are available now at all Target retailers for purchase in denominations of $10 and $25.

Nexon games are free-to-download at http://www.nexon.net and utilize an innovative cash shop system (microtransactions), which offers players the option to use real currency to pay for game enhancements. In Audition and MapleStory, players can purchase in-game apparel and accessories that enable them to create one-of-a-kind identities. These features are purely optional, and players can try out items prior to purchase in virtual dressing rooms. These items range from hip haircuts and stylish clothes in Audition to vibrant, colorful outfits and fire-breathing pets in MapleStory.

As the pioneer of the microtransaction, or Item Selling business model, Nexon has sold millions of virtual items worldwide through MapleStory and other hit titles such as KartRider and BnB: Crazy Arcade. In 2005, Nexon Corporation reported $230 million in revenue, driven primarily from millions of microtransactions.

MapleStory – Three Million Users in North America

MapleStory continues to expand in North America as one of the fastest growing massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPG). Averaging 45,000 new registered users a week, the award-winning game is known for its robust community and the ability to personalize game characters in endless combinations. Filled with vibrant backgrounds and charming characters, players interact with each other online through chatting, trading, fun mini-games as well as participating in exciting game play. Groups of players can also ally together in parties or guilds to socialize, hunt monsters, and venture through the immersive lands on thrilling quests.

Audition - A Virtual Club Offers Great Dancing to Great Music

Audition is a highly social MMO dance game where players meet their friends online for dance-off competitions to chart-topping and dynamic new music. With simple directional and space bar keystrokes, players perform hip-hop style dance steps and choreographed routines—better timing means a better score. Players compete in various dance modes, each with distinctive special features and moves. Audition has an in-game reward system that gives winning dancers "Beats" or currency used to purchase a variety of cash shop items. Audition's cash shop system provides players with trendy accessories, designer clothes and over 180 faces and numerous expressions.

About Nexon America

Nexon America Inc. is the North American publishing arm of Nexon Corporation, a pioneer of interactive entertainment software and the world's leader in massively multiplayer online games. Based in Los Angeles, Nexon America was founded in 2005 to bring the best of online entertainment to the North American audience. The company's growing library of titles includes the world famous, smash-hit franchise, MapleStory, and the new motion-captured dance battle game, Audition. The foundation of all Nexon America titles is the Item Selling business model, in which users access the full game for free and can later opt to pay for game enhancements.

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/maplestory/news.html?sid=6167617&mode=all