Nexon Executive: Classic World Is "Modernized" for All Ages
In a recent interview, Nexon's top western executive Hanbyeol Oh shed new light on the vision behind MapleStory Classic World, clarifying that the project aims to be a "modernized" take on the classic experience - not a pure recreation of the original 2003 game.
Key Quote
"We're not reviving the old MapleStory as is. It's more like a modernized Classic MapleStory. So it doesn't only apply to teenagers, but also those in their 20s, 30s, 40s can also play."
— Hanbyeol Oh, Nexon Executive
What "Modernized" Means
Oh's comments suggest that Classic World will strike a balance between nostalgia and accessibility. Rather than being a museum piece that recreates every quirk and limitation of 2003-era MapleStory, the game will incorporate modern improvements while preserving the core experience that made the original special.
What's Being Preserved
- • Pre-Big Bang gameplay mechanics
- • Original Explorer classes
- • Classic party quests
- • Slow, meaningful progression
- • Social-focused gameplay
- • Pixel art aesthetic
What's Being Modernized
- • Widescreen display support
- • Updated UI and menus
- • Bug fixes (ranged attacks, etc.)
- • Server stability
- • Anti-cheat systems
- • Quality-of-life improvements
Designed for Adult Players
Oh's mention of players in their "20s, 30s, 40s" is significant. Many of the original MapleStory players who experienced the game in 2003-2010 are now adults with jobs, families, and limited gaming time. Classic World appears to be designed with this demographic in mind.
Adult-Friendly Design Considerations
No more waiting 12+ hours for a boss spawn. Adults can participate in endgame content during reasonable play sessions.
Platform drop-jumping, fixed ranged attacks, and other improvements reduce frustration without changing core gameplay.
Adjusted HP formulas mean players don't need to plan character builds from level 1 to participate in endgame.
Stable servers mean less time dealing with disconnections and rollbacks - precious gaming time isn't wasted.
The Unique Position of MapleStory
In the interview, Oh also highlighted what makes MapleStory stand out in the current gaming landscape:
"MapleStory is the only online game that has pixel art and is also a platform game."
This unique combination of 2D pixel art aesthetics and platformer mechanics sets MapleStory apart from other MMORPGs. While many classic MMOs have received "WoW Classic"-style revivals, none offer the same side-scrolling, jump-and-platform gameplay that defined MapleStory.
Community Response
The community has responded positively to Oh's clarification. Many players were concerned that Classic World would either be too faithful (preserving frustrating bugs and limitations) or too modernized (losing the classic feel entirely). Oh's comments suggest a middle path that most players seem to support.
"This is exactly what I wanted to hear. Keep the soul of the game but fix the obviously broken stuff."
— Reddit comment
"As someone in my 30s with a full-time job, I'm glad they're making it playable for adults. I can't camp boss spawns for 8 hours anymore."
— Forum post
"The key is that they're fixing bugs, not features. Claw punching wasn't intentional design - it was a bug. Slow leveling was intentional - it should stay."
— Discord message
What This Means for Launch
Oh's comments provide important context for what players can expect when Classic World launches in 2026:
- 1.Expect some changes from the original
Classic World won't be a byte-for-byte recreation. Some mechanics will be adjusted for modern sensibilities.
- 2.The core experience is preserved
Slow progression, party-focused gameplay, and the pre-Big Bang world remain intact. This is still "classic" MapleStory at heart.
- 3.Adult players are the target demographic
Design decisions will consider players with limited time, not just those who can play 12 hours a day.
- 4.Feedback matters
The beta testing phase will be crucial for fine-tuning what gets modernized and what stays classic.
Looking Forward
With the Q1 2026 beta approaching, more details about Nexon's "modernized classic" approach will emerge. The development team, led by original designer Nemi, appears to understand the delicate balance between honoring nostalgia and creating an enjoyable game for today's players.
For now, Oh's comments should reassure players that Classic World is being developed thoughtfully - neither as a pure nostalgia cash-grab nor as a wholesale reimagining that loses what made the original special.
Stay Updated
Follow our news section for more updates on Classic World's development and upcoming beta test announcements.