“MapleStory” Faces Heavy Penalty in South Korea for Manipulating Gacha Odds, Receiving a Fine of 11.6 Billion Korean Won; Legislators Call for Taiwan to Strictly Punish Similar Cases

In January 2024, the Korea Fair Trade Commission issued a hefty fine of 11.6 billion Korean won (approximately 275 million Taiwanese dollars) to NEXON Corporation for altering the probabilities of gacha mechanics in its popular games such as “MapleStory” and “Bubble Fighter,” with some item probabilities even dropping to zero. This action not only caused a stir in the gaming industry but also prompted lawmakers and regulatory bodies in Taiwan to reconsider the adequacy of local punitive measures.