Nexon decided to issue full refunds for all sales generated since the launch of the idle RPG 'Maple Growing' to take responsibility for controversy over a probability-related error and an alleged cover-up. It is the first time since the company's founding that Nexon has taken a full-refund measure over an operational controversy.

Nexon said in a notice posted on the official Maple Growing website on Tuesday that it "committed a major wrongdoing by fixing an error without notifying users even though we confirmed an error that critically affects gameplay." It said it decided to provide full refunds to all users who want them.

The refund covers all products purchased from the start of service on Nov. 6 last year through the time of the full-refund notice on Tuesday. It includes not only products related to the ability and attack speed issues, but all paid items in the game.

The decision is seen as driven by a loss of trust stemming from the covered-up error and external pressure. Nexon previously faced fierce criticism after acknowledging it carried out a so-called "stealth patch" by fixing an error that prevented the maximum value for an ability option from appearing without making an announcement. Trust fell to rock bottom as the attack speed not being applied and an issue over not disclosing the probabilities for "Fast Hunting Tickets" were added to the controversy.

In particular, analysts say the decisive factor was a complaint filed a day earlier, on Jan. 27, when the Korea Game Users Association, acting on behalf of 1,507 game users, reported Nexon Korea to the Fair Trade Commission on suspicion of violating the e-commerce law. The association said Nexon lured consumers through deceptive methods and obstructed subscription cancellations by concealing product problems.

Nexon said it will provide details on how to apply for refunds and the refund period as soon as preparation work is completed. After refunds are completed, access to the game will be restricted under existing service-use policies, and payment records after the notice will be excluded from the refund.

Previously announced individual compensation will be paid separately from the refunds. This includes a 100 percent refund of "Medals of Honor" used during the error period and 200 percent compensation for paid-purchase goods, and Nexon said it will carry these out as promised.