For those who don’t know, Maple Story is a free, 2-Dimensional, massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) developed by a Korean company called Wizet. It’s typically popular with kids and teenagers who like to participate in online muliplayer games while not having to pay a monthly subscription fee (typical of most MMORPGs). However, players can customize their characters by purchasing enhancements in the “Cash Shop” which utilizes real currency. In order to capitalize on it’s popularity, Wizards of the Coast are going to be releasing a trading card game (iTCG) based on the Maple Story world.

Now you might ask, what the heck is an, “iTCG” (I thought it was to capitalize on Apple’s usage of the “i” prefix on their products). I found out that it is an actual card game you play in the real world, however, there are codes attached to the cards which can be redeemed online for exclusive virtual content and prizes. I definitely think it’s a great idea since it capitalizes on the interests of kids today (online and in the real world). It is expected to release this coming November 2007 and I’m sure Wizards will do all they can to promote it and create a buzz to new and existing players. I just wonder if the game will be sustainable, since most games that are created from popular franchises…don’t seem to last too long.

I’m still waiting for the day when Wizards releases a Magic: The Gathering MMORPG which utilizes the same history, characters and spells from the card game itself (although they do have Magic: Online…it’s basically playing cards but in the virtual world). Oh well…

-Stephen