MapleStory (lang-ko??????) is a free-of-charge (List of freeware games) (with pay-to-play elements), 2D (2D computer graphics), side-scrolling massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by the South Korean company Wizet. Several versions of the game are available for specific countries or regions, and each is published by various companies such as Wizet and Nexon. Although playing the game is free, character appearances and gameplay enhancements can be purchased from the "Cash Shop" using real money. MapleStory has a combined total of well over 100 million subscriber/user accounts in all of its versions. MapleStory North America (Global), for players mainly in North America and outside of East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe, has over 10 million players.

In the game, players travel the "Maple World", defeating monsters and developing their characters skills and abilities as is typical in role-playing games. Players can interact with others in many ways, such as through chatting (Instant messaging), trading (Trade), and playing minigames. Groups of players can band together in parties to hunt monsters and share the rewards. Players can also join a guild (Clan (computer gaming)) to interact more easily with each other.