Key Takeaways
- MapleStory N will launch on May 15, marking a major Web3 debut for the iconic MMORPG franchise.
- The Sandbox Season 5 concluded with $1 million in player rewards and expanded IP-driven experiences.
- Gods Unchained has introduced a new battle pass season with structured in-game rewards tied to progression.
Web3 gaming enters another eventful week as established franchises and blockchain-native projects advance their seasonal launches and technical milestones.
From nostalgic IP integrations to metaverse builder incentives, developers continue to test engagement models and economic design across a growing slate of games.
This week, we break down major developments from MapleStory, The Sandbox, Gods Unchained, and Star Atlas.
MapleStory Universe Prepares for Web3 Launch
The beloved 2D side-scrolling massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) MapleStory is returning in Web3 form through MapleStory Universe (MapleStory N), set to launch on May 15, 2025. Pre-downloads are currently available.
MapleStory N is offering an experience on par with its Web3 predecessor. Though this time it comes with a dash of Web3 features such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) representing in-game assets, a marketplace to trade said assets, as well as two tokens that will power the game and the MapleStory Universe ecosystem.
Having originally launched in April 2003, MapleStory’s free-to-play MMORPG has pulled in millions of players over the decades, and still records thousands of players logging on to play every day.
Hype around this release has been rather significant as it’s another Web3 launch leaning on nostalgia.
Much like Rangarok Online’s Web3 spinoff, fans of the game and MMORPG players overall have longed for enhanced ownership over their in-game items, though some remain understandably skeptical.
The Sandbox Season 5 Wraps With $1 Million in Rewards
After going live on March 31, 2025, The Sandbox has officially wound down the six-week-long Season 5 event that brought $1 million in rewards, major franchise-led experiences, and new games to the Web3 metaverse.
The season included branded experiences from major IPs such as Jurassic Park, Atari, and Attack on Titan, with a late-stage addition of a Teletubbies-themed zone.
Beyond player-facing events, Season 5 also hosted a “Game Jam” creator competition encouraging no-code builders to experiment with Sandbox’s game maker tools.
Winners will receive portions of a prize pool containing 100,000 SAND, 20 LAND plots, and other perks, with top projects expected to be highlighted in a post-season showcase.
Gods Unchained Launches Battle Pass Season 3
Among other Web3 gaming updates, trading card game Gods Unchained will roll out Season 3 of its Battle Pass on May 13.
The season introduces 60 progression levels split between two reward tracks—Collector’s Track and Whale Track—offering players cosmetic upgrades and new cards.
According to developers, players who complete all levels across both tiers may qualify for token rewards worth up to 300 GODS, potentially offering return incentives based on time commitment and in-game engagement.
Star Atlas
Star Atlas, the long-running Solana-based sci-fi MMORPG, released a series of new gameplay previews last week, showcasing progress made using Unreal Engine 5.
Still in active development after nearly five years, Star Atlas is positioning itself as one of the most visually ambitious titles in the Web3 gaming space.
The new footage highlights flight dynamics, environmental detail, and cinematic potential as the project edges closer to broader user access.
Eddie is a gaming and crypto writer at CCN. Covering the often weird and wonderful world of Web3 with an adoring, but skeptical eye.
Prior to CCN, Eddie has spent the past seven years working his way through the crypto, finance, and technology industry. He began with PR and journalism with Bitcoin PR Buzz and BitcoinNews.com, eventually working his way to become a copywriter with a dozen firms, including the likes of Polkadot before returning to journalism in 2023.
Having studied Radio production and journalism at University in the UK, Eddie spent a few years making podcasts and presenting on a local London radio station as he built up his writing chops.
A lifelong skateboarder, Eddie can often be found at the skatepark or touring the streets looking for something new to try. That, or kicking back playing JRPGs on his original PSP.
