What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced a corrective order and a fine of KRW 11.6 billion against Nexon Korea on January 3, 2024, over undisclosed or misrepresented odds for paid random items in MapleStory and Bubble Fighter. The “$9 million” figure is a rounded conversion; the regulator reported the fine in won. The MapleStory findings centered on paid Cube items.
Why was Nexon fined over MapleStory?
The KFTC said Nexon failed to disclose material changes to probabilities for paid random items, or gave users misleading information about them. In its January 3, 2024 briefing, the agency said Nexon had published notices about many minor game changes while leaving players uninformed about adverse probability changes. It also cited player questions about odds and requests for refunds as evidence that the information mattered to consumer choice. KFTC announcement and briefing
A KFTC official summarized the agency’s view in the briefing: “확률형 아이템에서 가장 중요한 상품 정보는 확률입니다.” (“For probability-based items, the most important product information is the probability.”) KFTC announcement and briefing
What did the MapleStory Cube findings involve?
The KFTC described three distinct changes involving Cubes, paid items used to improve character stats. The agency said Cubes were introduced in May 2010 with equally weighted options. It then identified separate changes to the weighting of popular options, the availability of certain duplicate-option combinations, and Black Cube upgrade odds. KFTC findings on Cube probabilities KFTC briefing materials
#1 Best Overall
- Immersive Solo Narrative – Play as Luma and her bear companion, Brom, in a heartfelt quest to heal the Wildwoods from a dark shadow, guided by a richly illustrated storybook.
- Innovative River Card Mechanic – Experience tension and flow in every scene with the unique River System, making each challenge dynamic and engaging.
- Quick Setup & Easy Storage – Start your adventure in under 2 minutes! Each chapter’s cards are pre-packaged and the in-box tray keeps everything organized for fast setup and teardown.
- Storyfold System Debut – Wildwoods is the first game to use the new Storyfold system, designed for immersive storytelling, engaging solo gameplay, and accessibility.
- Stunning Art & Engaging Gameplay – Enjoy beautiful artwork and a captivating narrative that brings the magical forest and its creatures to life.
Popular options were made less likely
Starting September 15, 2010, Nexon weighted popular options so they appeared less often, the KFTC said, without telling users about the change. KFTC findings on Cube probabilities
Some duplicate-option combinations were assigned zero probability
From August 4, 2011, through March 4, 2021, certain favored combinations of duplicate options had a zero probability, according to the agency. The KFTC said a 2011 notice falsely stated that Cube functionality had not changed. This finding concerns the availability of particular combinations; it is separate from the Black Cube tier-up rate reductions. KFTC briefing materials
Rank #2
- Fast-paced gameplay you love: Experience exciting competition as you speed to clear your Blitz pile. No turns taken; first to place cards in sequence wins!
- Perfect for family gatherings: Designed for 2 to 4 players, this game ensures fun-filled family nights and keeps both kids and adults entertained for hours.
- Easy rules for all ages: Simple yet challenging, Dutch Blitz offers effortless learning and engaging gameplay for children, teens, and adults, ages 8 and up.
- 160 colorful cards included: Enjoy endless fun with four decks of vibrant playing cards that enhance your gaming experience with their cheerful color scheme.
- Boosts strategic thinking: Dutch Blitz sharpens reflexes and strategy skills as you aim to outpace opponents in this unique and dynamic card-playing adventure.
Black Cube Legendary-tier odds fell over time
The KFTC said Black Cube’s probability of raising equipment to the Legendary tier was initially 1.8%, was reduced to 1.4% during 2013, and fell again to 1% in January 2016. The agency said these reductions were not disclosed. KFTC findings on Cube probabilities
Was this a US Federal Trade Commission case?
No. The regulator was South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission, commonly abbreviated KFTC—not the United States Federal Trade Commission. The action was taken under South Korea’s E-Commerce Act. KFTC announcement and briefing
Rank #3
What else did the enforcement action cover?
The same action included a separate finding about Bubble Fighter. In an All-Bingo event, Magic Needles had a zero chance of producing a Golden Number Card for the first five needles in event rounds 10 through 29, while Nexon’s notice said a Golden Number could be obtained. This was not a MapleStory mechanic. KFTC finding on Bubble Fighter
How did the KFTC explain the consumer impact?
The agency described Cubes as repeat-purchase items and reasoned that players could spend more while trying to obtain desired options if the odds were lower than disclosed or understood. It did not precisely calculate consumer harm or Nexon’s improper gains, so the possible extra spending should be understood as the KFTC’s explanation of the risk—not a quantified loss finding. KFTC explanation of consumer impact KFTC figures and limits
Rank #4
- Reveal Your Inner Superhero: Your inner superhero is ready to emerge, one chapter at a time. Reveal your backstory, gather gadgets and allies, develop a grudge against your archenemy, and unleash an ultimate ability as you transform. Use a combination of brains, love, speed, and strength to craft your origin story.
- Trick-Taking Game: Origin Story is a trick-taking game like Hearts, Spades, Bridge, Euchre, Cat in the Box, The Crew, and many others. A trick-taking game is a card game where each player plays a card, and the winner of that round is the person who played the strongest card, and they then take all of the cards. In Origin Story, sometimes you want to win the trick or round, and other times, you may want to lose!
- Strategy Board Game: Origin Story is a dynamic, interactive, tableau-building trick-taking game! Players add one story card each round to their own personal comic-book style mat, enhancing their superhero's trick-taking prowess with each charged power. The abilities add lots of creative and sometimes hilarious decisions and effects to standard must-follow trick-taking.
- Beautifully Designed and Illustrated: Light-weight, superhero trick-taking game designed by Jamey Stegmaier (Scythe) and Pete Wissinger (Crits & Tricks) and beautifully illustrated by Clémentine Campardou (Wyrmspan).
- Each Chapter Brings a New Challenge: After every completed round, each player chooses a new story card which adds a twist to the next round. Sometimes, this story addition makes it easier to be a hero, but other times, it might be easier to turn villain for a round and instead of winning tricks, lose tricks to gain points.
The KFTC briefing gave a provisional estimate of about KRW 550 billion in relevant Cube purchases during the violation period. That figure is purchase volume, not a finding that Nexon earned KRW 550 billion in improper profit or owes that amount in damages. KFTC figures and limits
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did Nexon say, and was there later compensation?
Nexon posted an apology to MapleStory users on January 3, 2024, acknowledging the KFTC’s determination concerning probability-based items in MapleStory and Bubble Fighter. The company notice was titled “메이플스토리 용사님께 사과 드립니다.” (“An apology to MapleStory users.”) Nexon notice, January 3, 2024
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteBest Value
- Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages: Oh Crud Deluxe Edition brings fun to game night with a family-friendly mix of card games and dice games. Each round brings new twists and hilarious challenges that keep everyone on their toes. It’s a top choice among family games for kids and adults, perfect for game night, vacations, or parties. Enjoy one of the most fun card games for adults, teens, and kids who love strategy, quick play, and friendly competition.
- Easy to Learn, Quick to Play, Hard to Stop: Set up in minutes and start playing right away. Oh Crud includes clear instructions, quick reference cards, and a QR code for a short tutorial video. This fast-paced dice game is ideal for travel games, family card games, and quick games on the go. Loved by both new and experienced players, it is one of those fun family games that bring people together anytime and anywhere, from living rooms to road trips.
- Strategy, Planning, and Endless Replay Value: Plan your next move, roll the dice, and avoid taking Crud to keep your score low. This game combines clever strategy with hilarious twists that make every round different. Great for strategy games for kids, adult dice games, or family card games for adults and teens, Oh Crud offers hours of engaging fun that everyone can enjoy. It’s family-friendly entertainment at its best.
- Compact, Portable, and Built for Adventure: Take the fun wherever you go with this small travel game that fits perfectly in your bag. Whether you’re on vacation, camping, or hosting a family game night, Oh Crud keeps everyone entertained. Built with high-quality cards and a sturdy box, it’s a durable travel-size game that makes a thoughtful gift for families, friends, and anyone who loves portable games full of laughter and connection.
- The Perfect Gift for Game Lovers: Surprise family and friends with a game that’s easy to learn and impossible to stop playing. Oh Crud is the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings and one of the best gifts for teen boys and girls who enjoy card games for teens or adults. Designed for 2 to 12 players, it’s a travel-friendly favorite that fits every occasion, from cozy nights in to exciting parties.
Separately, the Korea Consumer Agency said on December 13, 2024, that Nexon accepted a compensation plan for MapleStory users, with estimated potential total compensation of up to KRW 21.9 billion. The plan included compensation rates tied to Red Cube and Black Cube use. This was consumer redress, not the KFTC fine; the available announcement does not establish current application deadlines or any individual player’s eligibility. Korea Consumer Agency compensation announcement
Quick Recap
How the fine and compensation plan differ
| Measure | Authority and date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| KFTC fine and corrective order | South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission, January 3, 2024 | KRW 11.6 billion | Administrative enforcement over the alleged violations of the E-Commerce Act. KFTC announcement |
| MapleStory compensation plan | Korea Consumer Agency announcement, December 13, 2024 | Up to an estimated KRW 21.9 billion in potential total compensation | Consumer redress accepted by Nexon, with rates tied to Red Cube and Black Cube use. Korea Consumer Agency announcement |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
