Nexon was fined 11.6 billion won by South Korea for secretly changing the random drawing probability of game props such as 'MapleStory'

According to the decision of the Korean Fair Trade Commission, Nexon was fined 11.6 billion won (approximately 63.336 million yuan) for allegedly defrauding users of in-game props. This decision is temporary and aims to protect user rights and maintain a level playing field in the game market.

According to the investigation results, we found that Nexon made many secret adjustments to the popular games "MapleStory" and "Bubble Fighter" between 2010 and 2021, which affected the probability of random props and made users Being in a disadvantageous position. Such behavior violates the E-Commerce Consumer Protection Act.

You may think that 11.6 billion won (approximately 63.336 million yuan) is not much, but in fact, this is already the amount levied by the Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) on companies that violate the act so far. The maximum fine amount.

According to reports, in May 2010, Nexon launched a gameplay called "Rubik's Cube" in "MapleStory". The function of this gameplay is to reset the entry attributes of the equipment worn by the player character and improve combat power. According to data, Rubik's Cube's revenue accounts for approximately 30% of the total revenue of "MapleStory" and has successfully driven Nexon's profit growth. This gameplay is considered to be one of the necessary ways for players to improve their strength.

▲ Source: Korea Fair Trade Commission

According to official investigation results, it was found that Nexon passed Secretly changing the probability algorithm greatly reduces the probability of users obtaining potentially needed options, or even to zero.

According to the Fair Trade Commission’s explanation, Nexon hinted that players can discover changes through exploration, and also instructed customer service to answer questions related to probability when appropriate.

The investigation results show that Nexon set the probability of the options to be equal when it first launched the "Rubik's Cube" in May 2010, but quietly changed the probability structure starting from September 15, 2010, so it was very difficult later. It is difficult to randomly find popular options that players are pursuing, but they do not inform users. In addition, from August 4, 2011 to March 4, 2021, Nexon once again changed the probability structure, resulting in "some options with a higher user preference not appearing at all" when players use the "Rubik's Cube".

In addition, Nexon claimed in a notice issued on August 4, 2011 that "the function of the Rubik's Cube has not changed." However, the fact is that they had secretly modified the random drawing probability at that time.

On July 4, 2013, Nexon launched the "Black Rubik's Cube", which allows players to build the highest level equipment (legendary level). The initial probability was set at 1.8%, but the company later in 2013 The probability was lowered to 1.4% from July to December 2016, and again to 1% in January 2016, again without informing users.

▲ Each red Rubik's Cube is sold for 1,200 won (currently about 6.552 yuan), and the black cube is 2,200 won (currently about 12 yuan) ).

In addition, KFTC also stated that Nexon also engaged in similar covert modification behavior in games such as "Bubble Fighter".

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