After several days of gaming and cyberwellness talks, fans of the popular role-playing game MapleStory got to attend the official launch of
its second episode yesterday at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. They also picked up goodies such as in-game vouchers which they can use to buy decorative items in the game.

Student Patricia Eng, 16, had been trying to download the latest edition of MapleStory since last Wednesday, but managed to get it done only last Friday due to the huge number of people logging on.

At the fair, she bought two limited edition prepaid cards, which translate to virtual cash in the game. ‘I’m very excited about Episode 2. It’s now easier for me to kill monsters and complete quests.’

A MapleStory charity auction, where gamers placed bids to win five in-game weapons, also raised $18,230 for charity.

The money raised will be split equally between The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore).

A director of a construction company, who wanted to be known only as Mr Yeo, 39, placed the highest bid of $6,950 to win a Dragon Purple Sleeve, a MapleStory in-game weapon, for his 13-year-old son. ‘Any parent would do the same for their son as long as it’s within their ability,’ he said.

The first Licence2Play was organised by Sphere Exhibits, the lifestyle events arm of Singapore Press Holdings. Asiasoft GameFest 09 organised the MapleStory Episode 2 launch, auction and various other game tournaments.

Sphere Exhibits executive director Chua Wee Phong said the event gave parents a chance to gain an insight into their children’s interests. ‘Parents see that gaming is actually not as bad as they perceive it to be if it is done right. It is a very different world today and we must have outlets for these kids to have fun.’