Wizards of the Coast will release the MapleStory iTrading Card Game in the U.S. and Canada in November.  The iTCG is a real-world trading card game with cards that contain codes redeemable for exclusive virtual-world game content.  WotC's game functions as an interactive extension to MapleStory, a massively multi-player online game developed by the Korean company Wizet.  Unlike Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft, MapleStory players don't pay a monthly fee in order to play the game, instead playing is 'free,' though gameplay enhancements are offered to the players who can purchase them from a 'Cash Shop.'  The MapleStory Cash Shop provides players with the option to use real currency to purchase game enhancements that range from clothing and haircuts to fire-breathing pets, allowing players to create unique identities through 'avatar customization.'

With its dependence on purchases from its online shop rather than subscription fees, MapleStory employs a business model that requires (and attracts) a horde of players.  MapleStory has an estimated 67 million players worldwide in all of its versions.  Nexon's MapleStory Global, which serves players outside of East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe, has over 3 million members.

Wizards of the Coast has previously included redeemable codes for online games in its Neopets TCG in 2003 (see 'WotC Plans In-Pack Promotion For Neopets'), but with the MapleStory iTrading Cards WotC is taking the concept to the next level with a fully integrated game that bridges the online and offline worlds.  WotC's Brand Manager Laura Tommervik explains: 'Unlike codes in other TCGs that redeem online for limited value vanity items, codes in the MapleStory iTCG will unlock exclusive online rewards and game experiences such as highly sought-after artifacts, rare virtual pets, and all-new quests.' 

The MapleStory iTrading Game plays much like the online game as players as characters battle monsters and advance to higher levels, but it adds the element of character vs. character combat.  The game will be released in November in the standard starter set and booster pack format.  The 34-card Starter Set includes a code, game rules and a CD-Rom with the MapleStory online game client.  Each 9-card booster pack will also include a redeemable code.