Nexon has decided to refund in full all money users spent in the idle game “MapleStory Idle” following a dispute over ability-related probability settings. The company said it is the first time in Nexon’s game-service history that it has moved from a CEO apology to compensation and a full refund over an operations controversy.
In a notice posted Tuesday, Nexon said it committed a “serious mistake” by fixing an error that had a “critical impact” on gameplay without notifying users. “Taking full responsibility, we will provide a full refund to any user who wants one,” the company said.
The refund covers all paid items purchased from the service launch on Nov. 6, 2025, through the time of the refund notice. It includes not only products tied to the disputed features — ability resets, attack speed and “Quick Hunt” tickets — but all purchase history during the period.
Nexon said it will announce the refund process and application period later. After a refund is completed, gameplay will be restricted under existing service policies, it said, and purchases made after the notice will not be eligible. Previously promised individual compensation will be provided separately.
The decision followed a late discovery of an error in the game’s core ability-option system that prevented the maximum value from appearing as intended.
Nexon said the problem occurred during coding, and that its initial response was delayed because its internal probability-monitoring system was not applied due to collaboration with an outside developer.
The Korea Game Users Association had filed a complaint with the Fair Trade Commission, alleging Nexon Korea violated South Korea’s e-commerce law, after receiving authorization from 1,507 users. The group withdrew the complaint after Nexon decided on full refunds.
Nexon said that if an issue arises that damages user trust, it will offer the highest level of compensation, beyond the costs users incurred.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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