MapleStory is popular with private server operators.Nexon nevertheless intends to put an end to it and announces to strengthen its (legal) fight against these operators but also against the promoters and users of private servers.
In its basic version, MapleStory has been in operation for 20 years and the MMORPG is still enjoying some success with gamers in South Korea.Some success on the official servers of Nexon, but also on private servers operated by third parties – sometimes passionate players who offer alternative versions of the game, sometimes very organized structures with a profit motive.Historically, MapleStory has been quite popular with private server operators, and obviously a bit too much for Nexon’s taste, which announces its intention to intensify its fight against the operators of these private servers.
Advertisement
In note published on the Korean official website, Nexon recalls that the exploitation of a private server constitutes a violation of copyright, that it is illegal under Korean law (which we know is rather repressive in this area) and therefore liable to lawsuits.The Korean giant thus specifies that it has obtained the arrest of 29 operators/developers and has initiated legal proceedings against 23 private server operators.And as if to underline that the exploitation of a private server can have significant consequences, Nexon provides a few examples: in the context of one of these cases, an operator was sentenced to eight months in prison (and two years of probation ), 80 hours of community service and a fine of 13.6 million won (about 10,000 euros);or even this other who was sentenced to two and a half in prison and a fine of 220 million won (about 150,000 euros).
The studio announces a “strengthening of legal measures” which will be taken against operators of private servers, but also “countermeasures” aimed at users of these private servers.Concretely, Nexon specifies that any form of support for the operation of private servers (an illegal activity) may give rise to sanctions.The studio is clearly targeting the case of players who contribute to the financing of these operators via donations or online purchases, or those who participate in tests aimed at “improving” private servers.
In addition to in-game penalties on official servers when players on private servers are identified (liable to suspension or even banishment), the Nexon teams especially point out that playing on a private server exposes you to personal risks: installing a modified game client (likely to contain malicious software), communicating personal data, even bank details to a private operator, obviously exposes you to risks, without then having the slightest legal recourse in the event of mishaps.