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[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] A game user advocacy group has filed a complaint with South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC), accusing Nexon of consumer deception in connection with recent controversies over false and concealed probability disclosures in its mobile game MapleStory Idle.
The Korea Game Users Association announced on the 28th that it submitted a complaint to the FTC on behalf of 1,507 users, alleging violations of the Electronic Commerce Act by Nexon Korea. The group also filed a separate request for user damage relief with the Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC).
In its filing, the association claims that Nexon used deceptive practices prohibited under the Electronic Commerce Act to induce consumers into purchases, and that the company concealed known defects in its products, thereby obstructing users’ rights to withdraw from purchases.
According to the association, from November 6 to December 2 last year, paid “ability options” in MapleStory Idle failed to appear at the maximum values indicated by the disclosed probabilities. It was also later revealed that a character’s attack speed stat did not reflect the actual in-game performance, despite being displayed numerically, further fueling controversy.
Users who spent money on paid in-game currency to enhance ability stats or attack speed lodged complaints with Nexon. As the backlash intensified, Nexon issued an unusual public apology under the name of its CEO, pledging compensation and follow-up measures, including the dismissal of responsible staff.
The association additionally argued that the in-game “Quick Hunt Ticket” should be classified as a paid probability-based item subject to mandatory disclosure under the Game Industry Promotion Act, but that Nexon failed to disclose the relevant probabilities. The item grants paid resources such as weapon draw tickets upon use and can be additionally purchased using “Red Diamonds,” a hybrid currency obtainable both for free and through payment.
The association urged the FTC to impose “strong administrative measures, including corrective orders and monetary penalties,” against Nexon.
Separately, the group stated that it has also filed a request with GRAC’s User Damage Relief Center regarding MapleStory Idle, marking the first case submitted to the center. The User Damage Relief Center was established last year following amendments to the Game Industry Promotion Act.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
