A giant in multiplayer gaming in the East Nexon’s accessible-to-all MMOs have garnered considerable success here in the US. Worlds in Motion recently visited the singular, stylish sidescrolling MapleStory world, and is now looking ahead to the anticipated launch of an open beta in America for the multiplayer racing game KartRider. Already one of the top-selling online games in the world on the heels of its success in the Asian market with millions of users, rumor has it that we could see an open beta in America as soon as early October.

In its latest feature, Worlds in Motion has an in-depth interview with Nexon America's Min Kim on the appeal of KartRider, the massive success of MapleStory, and how Nexon's traditional-looking games coupled with a strong community focus help build user loyalty. Kim says:

“I’m finding that these days, for a lot of the teenagers and people playing, it’s now a different experience when you are in the game, and visually in the same place with others. On top of that, what adds community to it is the competition and the customization -- the ability to be unique and create your virtual identity. So you can represent who you are and communicate that.”

“One player has met her real-life husband on MapleStory; there are a lot of people finding people they have things in common with, they’re getting closer relationships. Of course, not everyone that gets a MapleStory marriage is in love, but it’s a fun type of way to be close within the game.”

He later adds:

“One reason MapleStory was successful is, when it first came out, it was at a time when lots of South Korean games were going 3D,” he recalls. “It’s not about pushing the graphics to the edge. They found that out a few years ago; we didn’t want it to look like everything else. When MapleStory came out, we wanted to make it different and turned it into a 2D game, and that was refreshing when everything else was 3D."

You can now read the full interview at Worlds in Motion, including Kim's ideas on making and marketing games for both genders, how getting a head start in the virtual goods market has helped Nexon, what's ahead for KartRider, and more (no registration required, please feel free to link to this feature from other websites).