FAQ

📌 FAQ Table of Content

• Participation Requirements
• Benefits and Rewards
• World Development and Exhibits
• Copyright and Regulation 
• Technical Support and Inquiries

1. Can minors participate?

Participation requirements may vary by region. For more information, please refer to the Global Creator Challenge 2026 Policy [here].

1. Americas, Europe, and other parts of the world: Only those 18 years of age or older are eligible to participate and may be disqualified if they are found to be a minor.
2. Asia and Southeast Asia: Only those over 14 years old are eligible to participate. However, minors under the age of 18 must have the consent of their parents or legal guardians when advancing to the finals/winning the award, and the subsidy/prize money will be paid in the name of their legal representative.

※ In the event of a conflict between the participant’s local laws regarding minors and the Korean standard of 19 years of age, the local laws shall take precedence.

2. Can Koreans living abroad or foreigners living in Korea participate?

• If you live in the MapleStory Worlds service area and meet the participation requirements, you can participate.
• If you are participating in a country that does not support MapleStory Worlds, you may be excluded from the judging process.

3. Can Creators who have participated in the existing Creator Support Program (Partners/NEXT, Creator Circle) participate in the competition?

Participation requirements may vary by region. For more information, please refer to the Global Creator Challenge 2026 Policy [here].

1)   Americas, Europe, and other parts of the world: Creator Circle Program participants are not eligible to participate in this Contest.

2)   Asia and Southeast Asia: NEXT Creators are eligible to participate if they meet the eligibility requirements. 

However, PARTNERS Creators are not eligible to participate as individuals/groups with a verified badge.

> If the PARTNERS badge is granted to an individual → cannot participate with that account (other groups can participate)

> If the PARTNERS badge is awarded to a group → cannot participate in that group unit (other individuals or separate groups can participate).

4. Can I participate in this contest and the NEXT program at the same time?

The same world that applied for the contest cannot participate in the NEXT program (including the feedback lounge) at the same time.

• However, if you apply for a contest or NEXT program with different Worlds, you will be allowed to participate normally.
  • For example:
    • A-world that applied for the contest cannot apply for the NEXT program.
    • A-world that applied for the NEXT program cannot apply for the contest.
    • If the same Creator (individual/group) applies for the contest with A-world or NEXT to B-world, it will be recognized as normal participation.

5. Can I participate as a group?

Both individuals and groups can participate.

• However, if the World is developed as a group, only the group leader can submit on behalf of the entire group. There can only be one (1) submission per group’s World.

6. Can I submit multiple Worlds?

Yes, you can. However, advancement to the finals is limited to one World per individual/group, and if multiple Worlds are selected for the finals, you must choose one World to participate in the finals.

※ If you do not select the World for the finals within the period specified by the organizer, the organizer may decide the World to move up to finals based on the criteria reasonably selected by the organizer.

7. Can I submit Worlds that have already been released in the past (before recruitment period)?

No, you can not submit or participate with Worlds that have been released in the past. Only the World first released to the public during the contest recruitment period can be selected as the entry.

8. If I release a World publicly during the contest recruitment period, will all Worlds I’m creating be automatically submitted?

No, the Worlds released during the recruitment period are not automatically submitted to the contest.  You must complete your entry through the contest banner in the MapleStory Worlds app to be considered as entered.

For more information on how to enter the World and the entry checklist, please visit the contest page [here].

9. If a group member/group leader leaves after submitting as a group, will I be excluded from the screening?

Changes to group members will not have an impact on the submission. However, in the event of a change in the group leader, please transfer the group leadership through [Manage Members] on the official website or MapleStory Worlds App. For instructions on how to manage members or transfer the ‘Group Leader’ role, please check [here]. 

• Please note that when transferring the group leader, all authority is delegated to the new group leader.

1. How are contest rewards paid?

The finalists will receive up to $35,000 USD in development support through participation in the NEXT/Creator Circle program.

• For more information about the Creator Circle Program, please check [Notice].

The final winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 USD, with an additional growth support of up to $20,000 USD.

• For details such as payment criteria and methods, please refer to the Global Creator Challenge 2026 Policy [Link].

2. How will the rewards be distributed if I participate in a group?

Rewards will be paid in a lump sum to the group leader, for them to distribute internally within the team.

Yes, you can. Both single-player and multiplayer Worlds can be submitted without restrictions.

5. Is there a minimum/maximum playtime limit for the World?

There is no minimum or maximum playtime limit, but the appropriate amount of content may be considered during judging.

6. Can I update my World after completing my entry/advancing to the finals?

World updates are still possible after completing the entry / advancing to the finals. However, please refrain from updating or modifying the World during the screening period to ensure a smooth screening process. 

7. How can I look at the entries?

You can check the Worlds submitted in the contest on the official website and in the app's 'Global Creator Challenge' category.

8. Can I release/service Worlds that are not selected for the 1st round/finals?

Yes, you can. Worlds that are not selected in the contest may be released and serviced on an ongoing basis, regardless of the contest.

1. What are reasons for disqualification?

If you fall under the following criteria, you may be excluded from the contest review.

• If you are found to have violated the contest rules, such as not meeting the participation requirements,
• If you are found to have violations of MapleStory Worlds’ terms/policies, such as copyright infringement/inappropriate content, etc.

For more information, please refer to the Global Creator Challenge 2026 Policy [here].

※ It is not possible to provide individual information on the Worlds entered in the contest in real time, such as whether or not they will be disqualified or removed from participation.

2. Can I cancel my entry after entering?

Once the entry is completed, it is not possible to cancel the entry. Therefore, please check the exact World you want to enter before participating in the contest.

3. Can I refer to other Creators' Worlds for development?

If it is confirmed that the same or a significantly similar World has already been released OR if it is found that content contains the infringed intellectual property rights of a third party, the entry may be disqualified or penalized.

For more information, please refer to the Global Creator Challenge 2026 Contest Policy [here].

※ It is not possible to provide individual information on the Worlds entered in the contest in real time, such as whether or not they will be disqualified or canceled from participation.

4. Are there any things I should keep in mind when using the MapleStory IP?

For more information on IP usage, please refer to the IP Usage Guide [here] in content creation.

5. Can I delete or make my World private after winning an award?

You must keep the winning World public for at least 12 months from the date of final receipt of your prize (or grant).

• During this period, if you change or leave your Creator account, or if you do anything that interferes with the smooth use of the World, such as changing or deleting your world privately, your eligibility may be canceled.

6. What happens if I convert my World to private after qualifying for the finals?

If you make your World private after advancing to the finals, you may be excluded from the finalist screening.

7. Are contest participants also subject to the MapleStory Worlds Terms of Use and Operating Policies?

All Creators who develop and operate CGC in MapleStory Worlds are subject to the MapleStory Worlds Terms of Use and Operation Policy.

For more information, please refer to the Terms of Use and Operation Policy [here] and the operation guide provided by the Creator Center [here].

1. Who can I contact for inquiries about the contest?

If you have any inquiries arising during the contest participation process, please submit them to the Global Creator Challenge Discord [here].

2. Can I get technical help during World development?

You can ask questions related to World development through the Global Creator Challenge Discord.

• You can also refer to the guide documents and videos provided by the Creator Center.