Nexon "Reflecting on Controversy Over Probability-Based Items... Even Enhancement Rates Disclosed" (Comprehensive)

Lee Jeongheon, CEO of Nexon Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Nexon has taken steps to resolve the situation as user backlash against the recent controversy over loot box items intensifies. Lee Jung-heon, CEO of Nexon Korea, personally issued an apology and announced the full disclosure of information on 'paid enhancement and synthesis items,' including capsule-type items, as well as the introduction of a 'real-time probability monitoring system.'

In an internal message on the 5th, CEO Lee stated, "Everything is entirely the responsibility of the management, including myself," and added, "I sincerely apologize for failing to meet the expectations of users who love Nexon games."

He continued, "The standards by which Nexon and Nexon games are viewed are changing, and society's standards for games are also evolving," adding, "It is clear that I failed to recognize these changes and remained stagnant. I reflect on this."

Recently, Nexon sparked controversy by announcing an update to the game MapleStory stating that "all types of additional options that can be applied to items will be granted with equal probability."

Users strongly opposed this, questioning whether the probabilities had not been equal until now. Movements such as the zero-won challenge and truck protests emerged, and some users even migrated to other games like Smilegate's Lost Ark.

CEO Lee said, "Starting today, we will disclose information about loot box items in the games Nexon services," adding, "We intend to steadily carry out work that embodies the fundamental principle of transparent information disclosure for users."

Nexon will first disclose the probabilities for the 'Cube' item in MapleStory, which has been the subject of controversy, within the day. Detailed figures, including the upgrade success rates, will also be revealed.

Additionally, Nexon plans to sequentially disclose information on 'paid loot box items,' including probabilities for 'paid enhancements.' Nexon explained that it will stop using terms like 'random' and 'chance' and prevent controversies by publishing probability tables and related terminology.

A 'real-time probability monitoring system' that users can verify will also be introduced within the year. Nexon stated, "We plan to establish a method to verify whether various probability elements are functioning properly," and added, "Users will be able to check the probability details, and if any malfunctioning elements are found, we will quickly take action."

Meanwhile, loot box items, which are a major source of revenue for domestic game companies, are a type of 'gacha.' Users cannot know which item they will obtain before purchase. Due to issues such as extremely low odds comparable to lottery winnings, these items have been criticized for causing excessive spending by users. As a result, the government and ruling party have taken a strong stance. Lee Sang-heon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has proposed a 'Game Industry Promotion Act Amendment' that requires the display of loot box item types and their respective supply probabilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.