| The9 Obtains Exclusive License to Operate Soul of The Ultimate NationTM |
Shanghai, China – December 13, 2005. The9 Limited (Nasdaq: NCTY), a leading online game operator in China, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Webzen, Inc, a leading game developer and operator in Korea, for a three-year exclusive license (from commercialization) to operate the Soul of The Ultimate Nation ("SUN") game, a 3D massively multiplayer online role playing game ("MMORPG"), in China.
Mr. Jun Zhu, The9's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The9 continues to focus on its strategy of offering best quality games and this new license once again proves that The9 is the partner of choice for renowned overseas developers. Our relationship with Webzen, Inc. goes back to 2003 when our joint venture successfully launched and operated the MU game in China. With The9 obtaining the exclusive license to operate SUN in China, the relationship between The9 and Webzen has further strengthened. SUN is an innovative action MMORPG and as usual, The9 will demonstrate its excellent operating ability to offer Chinese players a unique online game experience. We will closely work with Webzen and aim to bring this distinctive game to the China market by late 2006."
"We are very satisfied with this first offshore deal for SUN, which is the result of a whole lot of investment and efforts," commented Mr. Nam-Ju Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Webzen, Inc. "Along with China, we have also been discussing SUN with companies in Europe and other countries. We are confident that we will continue to get great results. With this cooperation with The9, SUN's value and interest will increase in the global market."
About The9 Limited
The9 Limited is a leading online game operator and developer in China which commenced operations in 1999. Currently, The9's business is primarily focused on operating and developing MMORPGs. 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. In addition, The9 has developed its first proprietary MMORPG titled "Joyful Journey West" ("JJW"), which entered all-access public open beta testing in August 2005.
About Webzen, Inc.
Founded in 2000 and based in Seoul, Korea, Webzen has become a leader in the MMORPG market and has developed some of the world's top online game and client/server technologies. Listed on the NASDAQ, Webzen is continuing the tradition of MU Online with Soul of The Ultimate Nation and an array of exciting game titles soon slated for release in the world's game market. Webzen is also the first publisher in Korea to diversify into console platforms, including Xbox360 and PS3. In January of this year, Webzen announced its entry into the U.S. games market with a new subsidiary, Webzen America, based in Los Angeles, U.S.A.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release contain forward-looking statements. The9 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, The9's limited operating history as an online game operator, political and economic policies of the Chinese government, the laws and regulations governing the online game industry and information disseminated over the Internet in China, intensified government regulation of Internet cafes, The9's ability to retain existing players and attract new players, license, develop or acquire additional online games that are appealing to users, anticipate and adapt to changing consumer preferences and respond to competitive market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties outlined in The9's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statement on Form F-1, as amended, and annual report on Form 20-F. The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For further information about The9, please contact:
Miss Hannah Lee, CA, CPA (Illinois)
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
The9 Limited
Tel: +86 (21) 5172-9990
Email: |
