- Tencent is considering the acquisition of game developer and publisher Nexon.
- Representatives from Tencent have contacted the family of Nexon’s founder about a potential deal, but no agreement has been reached.
- Nexon integrated blockchain features, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs), into its MapleStory franchise in May 2025.
- Web3 gaming activity increased by 368% year-over-year in January 2025, according to a DappRadar report.
- Adoption of Web3 gaming faces challenges such as technical barriers and player resistance to blockchain-based features.
Tencent, a global technology and investment company based in China, is exploring the possibility of acquiring South Korean gaming firm Nexon. Talks have taken place between Tencent and the family of Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju, but a formal agreement has not been reached and the deal is not guaranteed, as reported by Bloomberg.
Nexon is known for developing MapleStory, a popular online video game series. In May 2025, the company introduced blockchain elements to two MapleStory titles: MapleStory N and MapleStory Universe. These features allow players to obtain and trade in-game assets as NFTs—unique digital items stored on a blockchain.
Interest in Web3 gaming, which uses blockchain technology to provide player ownership of digital items, has grown significantly. According to a February 2025 report from DappRadar, blockchain gaming activity jumped by approximately 368% year-over-year in January 2025. This surge was driven by new releases such as Off The Grid, a high-budget shooter published by Gunzilla Games, and the launch of MapleStory N.
While the quality of Web3 games continues to rise, the sector still faces obstacles. DappRadar noted a 10% decline in daily active players after the initial spike in late 2024. Major challenges include the complex process of setting up blockchain wallets and skepticism among traditional gamers about play-to-earn models, which reward players with cryptocurrency or digital assets for in-game achievements.
Other popular Web3 games, including Off The Grid, offer graphics and gameplay similar to established console games, moving away from earlier blockchain games that focused mainly on simple mechanics and player rewards. Despite progress, mass adoption of blockchain-based gaming remains a significant challenge.
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