Nexon America has announced a new deal with BitPay that will allow the company to accept payment in cryptocurrency for in-game items.
The announced deal will allow buyers to use cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin in Nexon America’s game stores like MapleStory, Vindictus, and Mabinogi. These payment options are available immediately and Nexon will determine if there are any limits on player spending. All valuations are done through BitPay.
Nexon America is the latest company to join in accepting cryptocurrency payments. In a press release, Nexon America chief executive Kenny Chang said the decision to accept cryptocurrency payments was driven, at least in part, by player feedback. Nexon America was one of the first publishers to implement online store models when free-to-play games were just starting to take off. MapleStory, for example, was released in North America in 2005.
Things have moved on quickly as more companies start accepting cryptocurrency payments, implementing blockchain gaming technology, and supporting new businesses. The growth this year in NFTs and new titles with a “pay-to-win” focus is likely to persist. Various platforms and publishers are taking a stance on cryptocurrencies and blockchain games, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down.
While it’s unclear exactly how many Nexon America players are likely to use this new option, the potential audience is significant. Their games have proven that they have sustainable communities.
More recently, developers like Ubisoft have happily embraced blockchain, and indie games like Ember Sword, the new Legacy, and even EVE Online developer CCP have announced NFTs. While EVE doesn’t have any direct cryptocurrency plans at the moment, it’s not hard to see more companies testing the waters and seeing if going in this new direction is right for them.
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