Nexon Korea Fined $8.9 Million for Misleading MapleStory Players
Nexon Korea Corp has been slapped with a record-breaking fine of 11.6 billion won (approximately $8.9 million) for violating South Korea's Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce. The fine comes as a result of Nexon's alleged manipulation of in-game transactions in popular titles such as MapleStory.
What Led to the Fine?
Nexon's penalty is tied to its manipulation of in-game transactions, particularly in MapleStory and Bubble Fighter, reports The Korea Economic Daily. The Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) found that Nexon had altered the probability of players drawing the best items in the game, also known as Cubes.
How Cubes Work
Cubes are special items in MapleStory that can either be purchased or obtained through gameplay. They reset the potential of equipment, granting players powerful boosts in combat. One of the most sought-after effects is the ability to significantly reduce boss damage.
However, the KFTC discovered that Nexon had altered the drop rates of these Cubes to zero, rendering them useless. This means that players who spent real money on these items had no chance of getting the desired effects.
The Investigation and Fine
The KFTC investigated Nexon's practices between May 2010 and March 2021. During this time, the company generated an estimated 550 billion won (approximately $422 million). The fine imposed on Nexon is only 2% of this revenue, which has sparked outrage among fans.
I recall the main issue was that you could reroll sub stats on equipment, and something like increased dmg% on the boss was considered the best in the slot, said a fan on the Games Subreddit. But Nexon didn't disclose that after you hit your second substat as the BIS stat, the chance it will appear in the 3rd slot was 0.Many fans are questioning the fairness of the fine, considering the enormous profits Nexon made from these manipulative practices.
The Impact on Gaming Community
Microtransactions are a common practice in the gaming industry, but they often rely on a level of trust between players and game developers. Nexon's actions have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of in-game transactions.
While some games may use microtransactions to supplement development costs, Nexon's alleged manipulation of players has been seen as a betrayal of that trust.
Conclusion
Nexon's fine is a significant development in the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of transparency and fairness in in-game transactions. As the gaming community continues to grow, it's essential for developers to prioritize player trust and ensure that their practices are honest and transparent.