MapleStory N Battles Bots and Hackers in Its Blockchain MMORPG
In the ever-evolving landscape of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), the introduction of blockchain technology has brought both innovation and challenges. MapleStory N, developed by Nexpace, the blockchain division of gaming titan Nexon, has been grappling with an unprecedented influx of bots and hackers since its grand launch in May.
The High Stakes of Hacking in Crypto Games
Keith Kim, Nexpace’s head of strategy, revealed in a recent interview that the game is currently banning thousands of accounts daily to safeguard the gaming environment for legitimate players. Unlike traditional video games where hacking might be a mere annoyance, the implications in blockchain-based games like MapleStory N are significantly more severe due to the real-world value of in-game assets.
Players have reported instances of lobbies swarming with bots programmed for auto-farming, and others have witnessed single players defeating endgame bosses alone—a feat that should not be possible without the appropriate level of equipment. Such activities not only disrupt the game balance but also pose a risk to the game’s economy.
Technological Interventions to Curb Exploitation
To combat these challenges, MapleStory N has implemented several strategic measures. A notable change is the introduction of a 30-hour delay for cashing out assets, aligning with the average time it takes to identify and ban an abusive player. This delay is crucial in preventing quick cash-outs by hackers before they are caught.
Furthermore, Nexpace has enhanced its security protocols and refined its abnormal play detection systems to better identify and respond to illicit activities. The game operates on a dedicated Avalanche L1 gaming network named Henesys, which restricts off-ramps, thereby isolating any damage caused by hackers to this network alone.
Clawback Function: A Last Resort
In extreme cases where a significant portion of an asset’s supply ends up in the hands of banned players, Nexpace retains a clawback function. This function allows the developers to reclaim assets tied to banned accounts. “These are audited, and these are controlled by different layers of a multi-sig [wallet]. These are very, very hard to trigger,” Kim explained, emphasizing the security and complexity of the process.
While the clawback function is a powerful tool, Kim mentioned that it would only be used after consulting the community and considering the broader implications. Currently, the value of assets held by banned accounts does not justify its activation.
Community and Economic Impact
Despite the challenges posed by hackers, the economic impact on MapleStory N has been minimal. According to Kim, the net inflow of funds into the game remains significantly higher than the outflow, indicating that the majority of players are engaging with the game legitimately and contributing to its economy.
The launch of MapleStory N has seen a 549% spike in active addresses on Avalanche, marking it as the network’s largest NFT mint to date. This underscores the game’s popularity and the potential of integrating blockchain technology into mainstream gaming.
As MapleStory N continues to evolve, the measures implemented by Nexpace highlight a proactive approach in navigating the complexities of web3 recruitment and game management. The ongoing battle against bots and hackers not only protects players but also ensures the integrity and longevity of the gaming ecosystem.
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Edited by Andrew Hayward
