Maple Story. (Photo=Nexon)

 

[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Jisun] In relation to the manipulation of probability-based items in the popular game MapleStory, a collective dispute settlement has been reached between Nexon Korea, the game's operator, and consumers. The settlement is expected to result in a total compensation of approximately 21.9 billion KRW, the largest amount in the history of collective dispute settlements.

On the 22nd, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) announced that a collective dispute resolution regarding paid probability-based items within MapleStory had been established. This marks the first time such a settlement has been reached in the gaming industry.

Nexon was fined 11.6 billion KRW and issued a corrective order by the FTC in January for allegedly manipulating the probability of acquiring certain item options in the game’s "Cube" system according to user preferences. In April, the Korea Consumer Agency initiated collective dispute proceedings related to the case.

Last month, on the 13th, the Consumer Dispute Settlement Commission decided that Nexon would compensate around 5,800 applicants by reimbursing 3.1% of the amount spent on Red Cubes and 6.6% of the amount spent on Black Cubes. In cases where Nexon Cash is refunded as cash, the refund fee would be waived, and 70% of the compensation previously provided by Nexon in May 2021 would be deducted.

On the 9th of this month, Nexon accepted the dispute resolution decision. The total compensation for applicants amounts to 1.1 billion KRW, with the maximum individual compensation reaching 10.67 million KRW. As of the 20th, 4,916 applicants have confirmed acceptance, while only three have rejected the settlement.

Nexon has also agreed to extend compensation to non-participants in the collective dispute process, with total compensation expected to reach 21.9 billion KRW, making it the largest collective dispute settlement to date. The settlement holds the same legal effect as a confirmed court ruling.

 

 

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