NCsoft Signs Guild Wars Licensing Contract with China's The9
Seoul, South Korea, April 5, 2006 - NCsoft® Corporation (CEO Kim Tack Jin, www.ncsoft.com), the world's leading developer and publisher of online computer games, has signed a licensing contract with The9 (www.the9.com), a leading online game operator in China, to release NCsoft's online role-playing game Guild Wars® in China.
The contract will give The9 exclusive rights to provide Guild Wars online game services within mainland China for three years. The9 is China's leading operator of online games and was listed on the NASDAQ market in December 2004.
Jun Zhu, Chairman and CEO of The9, said, "The9 was predestined to earn the rights to service Guild Wars, the global online role-playing game which has gained worldwide recognition for its quality and popularity. Through close cooperation with NCsoft, The9 will offer Chinese gamers a chance to simultaneously experience Guild Wars, the innovative new-style online game, along with other gamers around the world."
Tack Jin Kim, CEO of NCsoft, added, "The9 has a proven record of excellence in the Chinese market as a leading online game operator. We are confident that through the partnership, Guild Wars will receive great response from Chinese gamers and once again raise the game's status in the global market."
More than one million units of Guild Wars were sold in less than five months when the game launched on April 28, 2005. The new chapter in the Guild Wars franchise, Guild Wars FactionsTM, awaits its launch on April 28th. Currently, Guild Wars is available in Korea, North America, Europe, Japan and Taiwan.
About NCsoft Corporation
Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, NCsoft Corporation is the world's leading developer and publisher of online games. Founded in 1997, NCsoft is home to Lineage®, the world's most successful online roleplaying game. NCsoft has offices located in Japan, Taiwan, and China, as well as branches in North America and the United Kingdom. In fiscal year 2005, NCsoft posted revenues of KRW (Korean Won) 338 billion or approximately US$346 million. More information about NCsoft can be found at www.plaync.com.
About The9 Limited
The9 Limited is a leading online game operator in China. The9's business is primarily focused on operating and developing MMORPGs for the Chinese online game players market. The9 directly or through affiliates operates licensed MMORPGs, consisting of WoW, MU and Mystina Online, in China. It has also obtained exclusive licenses to operate additional MMORPGs in China, including Granado Espada and Soul of The Ultimate NationTM. In addition, The9 has developed its first proprietary MMORPG titled "Joyful Journey West", which entered all-access public open beta testing in August 2005.
NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo, Lineage, Guild Wars, Guild Wars Factions, PlayNC, and all associated logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.