Ten Ton Hamster

Around August 5th, Maple Story plans on having a huge patch to the game. They are adding all new content which will continue the story of the continent of Masteria and New Leaf City. There will be new quests, weapons, monsters, and much more! We got a chance to have a quick Q&A with Nexon's Product Coordinator Sheloman Byrd. Read below to get the scoop! (PS...don't forget to follow our link to the exclusive Screenshots they sent us as well!)

Interviewer: Padma "LadyLotus" Fuller, Editor/Site Lead
Interviewee: Sheloman Byrd, Product Coordinator

1. What can players expect to find in the recent patch with Maple Story?

The upcoming patch is something we're all excited about at Nexon America. We're delivering the next chapter in the story of the continent of Masteria and New Leaf City, which were two new areas added to MapleStory last summer. The area is expanding in every way possible—new quests, new weapons, new monsters, new maps and plenty of surprises. In addition to that, we're working on adding some additional platforming features, as well as the first round of Master Monsters, new bosses that provide a challenge for a wide range of levels.

2. Will there be specific updates to loot and items for players to use and enjoy?

Absolutely. Players will be able to craft new weapons, which we are thrilled to add to our game. Some of the new weapons have variations, depending on what the player wants as well. We're very confident players will like the weapons. Our design team and concept artists did a fantastic job.

3. Each time a company release a patch into a game it can changes things drastically. What impact do you expect to see in the Maple World?

Well, the changes affect the Maple World in some way, be it the items you'll receive from quests, having an additional goal to shoot for when battling bosses, crafting new weapons, exploring the areas, experiencing a different way of battling monsters or navigating new areas. Last year, New Leaf City re-energized the economy in terms of training and making items more available. Our players continue to enjoy the benefits of that update, so now we're adding some re-playability to the area and different portions of the game as well, for mid-level and high-level players.

4. Do you have anything planned out for autumn? Can we expect to see another patch sometime before 2009?

We patch almost every month and it's always something new. We've updated a ton of new stuff this year, from user interface features to content for every level, 1 to 200. We have plenty of tricks left up our sleeve, including a few things that will require a bit more strategy and teamwork to overcome. For our high-level players especially, what we're working on will be a true challenge. It won't be with this upcoming patch, but it will be soon.

5. What is the development team's favorite part in adding content to the game? Is it fun to watch the player reactions?

Oh yes. When New Leaf City released last year, one of our favorite moments was players asking us about the Warrior's Throne (a big, blue lounge chair given upon finishing all New Leaf City quests), as well as watching players traverse the new hunting grounds and figure out the secrets buried within the maps. Our favorite part about adding content to the game is our players enjoying it (we hope!). We haven't always done the best job of communicating how important our players are, so we've really trying to make sure they know we care about them. Without our players, there is no MapleStory. Laughing with friends in the game, attending a wedding or getting married, the agony of blowing up a high-level equip with a dark scroll, triumphing over a boss—these are the type of experiences that you remember. We're happy that they've chosen our game to have those experiences in and be a part of it.

6. Overall, can you tell us some of Nexon's plans for the upcoming months going into next year?

Sure. Players can look forward to at least one new Party Quest, plenty of new bosses, and a few other things that will debut in MapleStory Global. The year isn't over, and we've got plenty left in the tank to finish with a bang.

Follow this link to see our exclusive Screenshots of this new upcoming Patch

Follow this link to the official (English version) Maple Story website