Korean game publisher Nexon is being fined 11.6 billion won, or approximately $8.85 million, for manipulating the drop rates of randomized items and loot boxes in games without informing players. This practice has apparently been affecting games like MapleStory and Bubble Fighter since 2010. [Thanks, @Citrussalt!]
According to the Korean Fair Trade Commission, Nexon had been changing the item drop rates for loot boxes and other gacha mechanics in its games, including reducing some items to a 0% chance of appearing, without disclosing these changes to players. Nexon also apparantly released a statement claiming no changes had been made, aiming to “lure customers by giving them false information”. 28% of MapleStory‘s 560 billion won in sales came from in-game purchases in 2020.
Nexon itself has accepted the decision and apologised to it’s customers, but has said it may seek to challenge the decision claiming the company was not required to reveal probability information at the time.
You can find the Korean Fair Trade Commission’s official statement below, or read an English summary via the Korea Times here.
Nexon may be best known in the West for publishing games like Blue Archive, Dave the Diver and MapleStory, which had a string of anniversary events announced back in September, 2023. Nexon also publishes the mobile game Dynasty Warriors M, which launched worldwide late last year.
Nexon is being fined 11.6 billion won by the Korean Fair Trade Commission for deceptive business practices and violation of the Electronic Commerce Consumer Protection Act.
