The Avalanche blockchain has seen a remarkable resurgence in activity, reaching a significant milestone of surpassing 1 million daily transactions twice in one week for the first time since February 2024.
This surge in network activity comes on the heels of the MapleStory Universe launch, which introduced Web3 elements into the classic online game franchise, leading to renewed interest and a significant boost in blockchain usage.
On June 1, Avalanche hit the 1 million transactions mark, followed by another surge on Saturday. The blockchain’s total transactions for the week beginning June 2 reached 5.8 million, the highest weekly total since early 2024, according to data from blockchain analytics platform Nansen. These impressive statistics highlight Avalanche's ability to scale and handle increased activity on its platform, especially in the wake of MapleStory Universe’s debut.
While Avalanche’s blockchain had struggled to maintain transaction levels above 500,000 daily transactions in early 2025, the introduction of MapleStory Universe has significantly increased user engagement and blockchain interactions. These milestones underscore the growing importance of gaming and Web3 ecosystems in driving blockchain adoption and increasing network activity.
The Impact of MapleStory Universe on Avalanche’s Blockchain
The bulk of this newfound transaction activity is attributed to MapleStory Universe, a Web3 gaming ecosystem built on the Avalanche blockchain. The first game within this universe, MapleStory N, launched on May 15, signaling a major transition for the franchise.
Prior to this Web3 makeover, the game was primarily known as a side-scrolling role-playing game in which players could create avatars, complete quests, and socialize in a virtual world.
MapleStory, which became a cultural phenomenon in the 2000s and early 2010s, originally served as a proto-metaverse where players could interact, make friends, and form relationships. It was one of the early examples of virtual economies, in-game currencies, tradable items, and user-generated content - all features that blockchain technology aims to enhance today.
The nostalgic appeal of the franchise among millennials across South Korea and Southeast Asia helped ensure a strong initial reception for MapleStory Universe. However, the game's transition into the Web3 space brought new possibilities, particularly for leveraging blockchain technology to empower players and improve game mechanics.
MapleStory Universe and the Role of Nexon
The development of MapleStory Universe is backed by Nexon, the Tokyo-listed South Korean gaming giant, and one of the world’s 21st-largest publicly listed corporate Bitcoin holders, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries.NET. Nexon holds 1,717 BTC, acquired in April 2021, which it has kept as a long-term asset.
This investment in Bitcoin adds an extra layer of credibility to MapleStory Universe's Web3 ambitions, as the company seeks to incorporate blockchain elements into its gaming ecosystem.
The Nexpace Coin, which launched alongside MapleStory Universe, is the primary currency within the ecosystem. NXPC is intended to be used for various in-game purchases, player rewards, and as a store of value within the game’s economy.
However, despite the early excitement, NXPC has faced challenges in maintaining its momentum. After reaching an all-time high of $3.77 shortly after launch, the coin has since dropped by 64%, falling to $1.34 at the time of writing.
Avalanche's Momentum in Web3 Gaming and Beyond
The success of MapleStory Universe on the Avalanche blockchain adds to a growing trend of Web3 gaming platforms moving to Avalanche. The network has been gaining momentum in the gaming sector since late 2024, with titles like Off The Grid, a shooter built on Avalanche’s GUNZ subnet, marking a shift toward attracting mainstream gamers beyond just crypto-native users.
This signals a broader adoption of blockchain technology in gaming, making Avalanche an appealing choice for developers looking to integrate decentralized and user-owned ecosystems into their games.
Avalanche’s ability to support decentralized applications and handle high transaction volumes makes it an ideal platform for the future of gaming.
The growing popularity of Avalanche’s gaming ecosystem continues to reinforce its reputation as a leader in decentralized finance and blockchain gaming, offering faster, cheaper transactions compared to competitors like Ethereum.
Avalanche’s AVAX Token Performance
While MapleStory Universe’s launch has sparked interest in the Avalanche ecosystem, the AVAX token, Avalanche’s native cryptocurrency, has not seen the same level of growth. On May 14, the day before MapleStory N launched, AVAX traded as high as $26. Since then, however, the token has experienced a decline, dropping to $20 - a far cry from its yearly high of $54 reached in December 2024.
Despite the downturn, AVAX remains one of the leading cryptocurrencies in the market. Its relatively lower price in the face of increasing adoption signals a potential opportunity for long-term investors. The ongoing growth of MapleStory Universe and other Web3 gaming projects on Avalanche could serve as a catalyst for AVAX’s price recovery and future growth.
The rise of Web3 gaming platforms like MapleStory Universe has had a significant impact on blockchain adoption. Games are increasingly seen as a gateway to wider cryptocurrency adoption, as they introduce users to blockchain-based economies, NFTs, and decentralized finance in a user-friendly environment. The transition of traditional games into Web3 ecosystems has the potential to reshape the way users interact with the blockchain, bringing millions of new users into the space.
For Avalanche, MapleStory Universe’s success is a testament to the network's ability to handle high traffic, manage complex transactions, and deliver an engaging, decentralized gaming experience. As gaming projects continue to thrive on Avalanche, the blockchain is likely to see even greater adoption, positioning itself as one of the leading blockchain platforms for Web3 gaming and beyond.
Challenges for Avalanche and MapleStory Universe
Despite the initial success of MapleStory Universe, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. NXPC, the ecosystem’s native currency, has struggled to maintain its early momentum, highlighting the volatility that is common in cryptocurrency markets. For the Web3 gaming ecosystem to thrive, maintaining stable tokenomics, expanding the player base, and delivering consistent value to users will be essential.
On the broader front, Avalanche will need to continue building on its momentum, attracting more developers and projects to the ecosystem. This includes improving its developer tools, scaling capabilities, and interoperability with other blockchain networks. The integration of NFTs, gaming rewards, and DeFi protocols will also be crucial in making the network a central hub for Web3 development.
As for MapleStory Universe, future updates and the introduction of new features - such as player-driven economies, NFT integration, and cross-platform compatibility - will likely be important factors in maintaining user engagement and driving the adoption of NXPC and other in-game assets.