For gamers born in the ’80s and ’90s, the classic MMORPG was more than a pastime; it was a digital rite of passage. Now, MapleStory Universe, its Web3 reboot, is tapping with the launch of its governance token, NXPC.
Listed on major exchanges like Binance, Upbit, and Bybit on May 15, the NXPC token surged past $3 on debut, pushing its fully diluted valuation (FDV) to $3 billion. This sudden rise isn’t just a walk down memory lane—it’s a sign that blockchain gaming may be finding fresh momentum after a sluggish year.
NXPC: A New Token with Old Roots
NXPC is the governance token powering MapleStory Universe, developed by NEXPACE, the blockchain arm of South Korean gaming giant Nexon. Nexon’s MapleStory has a 20-year legacy with over 180 million global users and $4 billion in lifetime revenue. Now, the IP is going on-chain, aiming to build a “Create-to-Earn” economy. NXPC holders can vote on proposals and earn rewards, while a second token, NESO, serves as the in-game currency.
The tokenomics are designed for sustainability. Of the 1 billion NXPC tokens, 16.37% were unlocked at launch via airdrops, some reportedly worth over $600 per address. A further 80% is reserved for future ecosystem incentives—an approach meant to reward creators who build custom items and levels that can be minted as NFTs and traded.
Introducing $NXPC: A Protocol for Lasting Rewards pic.twitter.com/Es5Locun4f
— MapleStory Universe (@MaplestoryU) April 18, 2025
But success isn’t guaranteed. The game is still in beta, and as past examples like Axie Infinity have shown, poor economic design can quickly unravel a project, especially if speculation outpaces genuine user engagement.
Airdrops, Buzz, and the Road Ahead
NXPC’s listing created a frenzy, especially in crypto-native communities on platforms like Crypto Twitter and Binance. The token’s airdrop was described as a “pig trotter meal,” slang for an unexpected windfall. The current short squeeze on Binance futures has only added fuel to the fire.
.@binance has announced the 18th project on the HODLer Airdrops page – Nexpace (NXPC)
Binance will list $NXPC at 2025-05-15 07:30 UTC and open trading against $USDT, $USDC, $BNB, $FDUSD, and $TRY pairs.https://t.co/uNu3qXfS5Q pic.twitter.com/Hv0x4cx2WU
— ICO Drops (@ICODrops) May 15, 2025
Yet the excitement might be front-loaded. While NXPC’s price performance rivals legacy GameFi tokens like The Sandbox and Decentraland. So, long-term value depends on user retention, in-game economics, and creator adoption. Additionally, as a Korean-developed project, South Korean exchange activity. Particularly on Upbit, it could significantly shape its future.
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