[PRESS RELEASE – Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 8th, 2026]
Global game jam MapleStory Vibe Camp offers US$60,000 in NXPC prizes as builders gain access to official MapleStory Universe resources in conjunction with Verse8
MapleStory Universe (MSU), the blockchain-powered expansion of Nexon’s iconic MapleStory franchise, today announced the launch of MapleStory Vibe Camp, a global builder competition inviting creators to build original games and experiences using official MapleStory Universe assets. The campaign launches alongside MSU Space, a dedicated builder hub developed in partnership with AI-assisted game creation platform Verse8.
Running from June 8 to June 29, MapleStory Vibe Camp features a total prize pool of US$60,000 in NXPC and is open to participants worldwide. Through MSU Space, entrants can create and publish MapleStory-inspired experiences, with selected projects receiving recognition, rewards, and potential opportunities to join the expanding MapleStory ecosystem.
This launch marks the first major public activation of MSU 2.0, the next phase of MapleStory Universe following its first year of operations. MSU recently surpassed 150 million cumulative on-chain transactions and generated approximately 49.1 million NXPC—about US$31 million—in ecosystem revenue. MSU 2.0 shifts the platform from a single-game environment to a broader, programmable ecosystem designed to support creation, distribution, and monetization with MapleStory intellectual property.
Sun Young Hwang, Chief Executive Officer at Nexpace said, “Over the past year, MapleStory Universe has shown that a large-scale game economy can operate on-chain. The next chapter is about expanding who participates in building it. As AI lowers the barrier to game creation, the line between player and builder blurs, and MapleStory IP becomes the foundation both groups create from and around. Both MapleStory Vibe Camp and MSU Space are important first steps toward that vision, lowering barriers to creation and revealing new ways for communities to build with our legacy IP.”
Opening MapleStory IP to a New Generation of Builders
At the heart of the initiative is MSU Space, a dedicated environment within Verse8 that provides access to official MapleStory Universe assets, resources, and development tools. Builders can use MapleStory-themed characters, monsters, items, environments, and lore while leveraging Verse8’s AI-assisted creation tools. The platform allows creators to prototype with natural language prompts, iterate on gameplay, and publish completed experiences directly.
MSU 2.0 aims to transform MapleStory from a traditionally closed IP into a programmable ecosystem where communities can develop new experiences, applications, and services based on MapleStory. By combining on-chain infrastructure, AI-assisted creation tools, and community-driven participation, MSU 2.0 reduces barriers to IP-based creation and brings those elements together in a unified framework.
Why MSU Space on Verse8
As MapleStory Universe extends beyond a single game, accessible entry points become essential. Partnering with Verse8 gives builders an environment to explore ecosystem opportunities, test new concepts, and engage with MSU 2.0’s broader vision. The collaboration also introduces MapleStory Universe to a wider audience of developers and AI-native creators encountering the ecosystem for the first time.
Kevin Lee, CEO of Verse8, said: “For decades, building with major gaming IPs has been mostly limited to professional studios and approved partners. With MSU Space and AI, creators can now experiment with MapleStory IP more easily and bring ideas to life faster than ever. We’re excited to power the next wave of MapleStory builders.”
Together, MSU Space and Verse8 act as an accessible gateway into the emerging builder economy that underpins MSU 2.0, connecting users with the tools, assets, and infrastructure required to create with MapleStory IP.
MapleStory Vibe Camp runs from June 8 to June 29, 2026, with winners chosen from projects submitted through MSU Space. For details or to participate in MapleStory Vibe Camp, visit: https://vibecamp.msu.io.
About Nexpace
Nexpace, an Abu Dhabi-based blockchain company, leads an IP-expansion initiative powered by blockchain and NFTs to create a community-driven ecosystem. With a mission to redefine interactive entertainment, Nexpace builds a space for exploring, sharing, and engaging with user-created content and gameplay.
Nexpace centers its ecosystem on transparency, security, and trust, empowering builders to share ideas and enabling users to enjoy immersive experiences. By fostering creative expression, Nexpace aims to create a collaborative, secure environment that unites participants in a thriving digital community.
About Verse8
Verse8 is an AI-native creation and publishing platform that enables anyone to turn ideas into interactive games and stories. Combining generative AI, an integrated game engine, and on-chain ownership, Verse8 lowers barriers to interactive creation and supports a new generation of creator-led digital worlds. Developed by Planetarium Labs in collaboration with Jake Song, the platform leverages deep gaming expertise and partnerships to deliver high-quality interactive experiences at scale.