Nexon said it will refund in full the entire amount users have paid since the launch of its popular mobile game "Maple Raising" in connection with allegations of probability manipulation that erupted around the game. It is the first time since the company's founding that Nexon has decided on a "full refund" over controversy in game operations.
On the 28th, in a notice posted on the "Maple Raising" website, Nexon said, "Even after identifying an error that critically affected gameplay, we made a grave mistake by fixing it without informing users," and added, "Taking full responsibility, we have decided to provide a full refund to all users who want one."
The refund covers all items purchased in-game by users from Nov. 6 last year, when "Maple Raising" was released, through today. Not only items related to rerouting the "ability options," attack speed, and "fast hunting tickets," which users raised issues about, but all paid items are eligible for refunds.
Nexon said, "We will provide guidance on the specific refund application method and period as soon as preparations are complete," adding, "After the refund is completed, game access will be restricted under the existing service use policy, and any payments made after the notice will not be eligible for refunds."
It added, "Separately, the individual compensation previously announced will be paid as promised," and "We will provide detailed guidance on the individual compensation payment period through a notice as soon as possible."
Earlier, in "Maple Raising," for about a month from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2 last year, an error occurred in which the maximum values of paid "ability options" did not appear according to the stated probabilities. Ability options are additional stats attached to in-game characters, which can be changed at random by spending the paid currency "honor medal."
It also came to light recently that the character's attack speed value in the game was not reflected in actual performance as indicated by the displayed numbers, sparking controversy.
Users who spent money on paid currency to raise ability stats or attack speed protested to Nexon, and as the controversy grew, Nexon unusually posted an apology in the names of Co-CEOs Kang Dae-hyun and Kim Jeong-uk of Nexon Korea. Along with this, it promised follow-up measures and compensation, including disciplinary action and dismissal of those responsible.
As user dissatisfaction did not subside despite Nexon's response, it is seen as having played its unprecedented "full refund" card.
The Korea Game Users Association, authorized by 1,507 users of "Maple Raising," filed a report with the Korea Fair Trade Commission against Nexon Korea for "violations of the Electronic Commerce Act." Separately, it also submitted a "user damage relief application" to the Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC).