In my journey towards a simpler lifestyle, one thing has remained constant. That is gaming, especially MapleStory. It is a part of my daily rhythm and something that brings joy and comfort without complicating my life.
I play a variety of games, but most of my time is devoted to MapleStory. It feels like my forever game. I first started playing when it launched back in 2005, and quickly became hooked. I was still a student then, and it affected my studies. To regain balance, I had to quit cold turkey for a while. Even after that, I returned to the game on and off, juggling my love for it with academic responsibilities.
Everything changed in 2016 with the release of MapleStory M. Since then, it has been my main version of the game. Mobile gaming just fits my lifestyle better now, as it’s more accessible, more relaxed, and blends seamlessly with my daily routine.
I also play MapleStory Evolution, that was launched in 2023, MapleStory Idle, and MapleStory Worlds, both of which came out this year. I did try returning to the PC version, but it has become so complex. I can’t grasp that it looks so familiar yet there’s so much to learn and keep up. I also can’t sit at a desk for hours to manually play a game anymore. The convenience and automation of mobile versions suits me better now.
MapleStory Worlds has an old-school version that captured the charm of the early days. It brought back waves of nostalgia, but also reaffirmed that I can’t keep up with manual grinding anymore. I’ve moved on to a more relaxed way of playing.
Since embracing a simpler lifestyle, I’ve also become a homebody, and MapleStory M is part of my daily routine. I start my day with a short session, then set up the auto-battle function so my character can grind while I go about my day. In the evening, I rotate to another character, and at night, before bed, I check in on a third one to build up my account steadily.
In a world that often pushes for more, MapleStory has become a source of comfort, nostalgia, and quiet joy. It may have started as an addiction, but over the years, it’s grown into a companion that now fits right into my slower and simpler life.
No other game has held my attention for as long as MapleStory has. The original PC version and MapleStory M alone already span years of my life. That kind of consistency is rare for me when it comes to gaming. Most games come and go, but MapleStory always finds a way back into my life.
The fact that I’ve not only stuck with two versions of the game for so long, but also tried almost every spin-off, really says something. I even gave the PC version another shot, because there’s a part of me that always feels connected to it.
I think there’s something about the world of MapleStory, that makes it feel like home. It’s familiar and comforting. Even when I step away, I find myself returning. That’s why I know MapleStory is truly my forever game.