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Shanghai, China – January 10, 2007.The9 Limited
(NASDAQ: NCTY), a leading online game operator in China,
today announced that it has, through its subsidiary,
entered into an agreement with Gravity Co., Ltd., an
online game developer and publisher, for an exclusive
license to operate Ragnarok Online 2 ,
a massively multiplayer online role playing game ("MMORPG")
in mainland China. The term of the license is for four
years from the date of commercial launch of the game
in mainland China. In addition, The9 also entered into
an agreement for an exclusive license from Gravity Co.,
Ltd. to operate the Emil Chronicle Online,
also a MMORPG, in mainland China for a period of three
years from the commercial launch of the game.
Ragnarok Online 2,
subtitled “Epic of the Light”, is the original sequel
of Ragnarok Online,
a cartoon style 3D MMORPG with compelling storyline,
splendid scenes, as well as gorgeous graphical effects
absorbing various elements from myths and history of
different cultures in the world. Currently, Ragnarok
Online 2
is in initial closed beta test in Korea and, as of January
8, 2007, was voted as the most anticipated Korean game
by Chinese gamers on 17173.com, one of the largest games
information portal in China.
Emil Chronicle Online
is a cartoon-style 2.5D MMORPG that was commercially
launched in Japan, with the most recent upgrade introduced
in early December 2006.
Mr. Jun Zhu, The9’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
commented: “We are very excited that The9 obtained exclusive
licenses to operate Ragnarok Online 2
and Emil Chronicle Online
in mainland China. This cooperation not only testifies
again as to our market position as the “Partner of Choice”
in China for renowned overseas game developers, but
also further demonstrates our commitment to offer the
highest-quality games to Chinese online gamers. We are
especially proud of the addition of Ragnarok Online
2
to our already strong pipeline, which we believe truly
diversifies The9’s game portfolio. In the future, we
intend to further leverage our resources and strengths
to bring additional fantastic games to online game players
in China.”
Mr. Il Young Ryu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Gravity Co., Ltd., said: “We are very pleased to
have The9 as our exclusive partner for Ragnarok Online
2
and Emil Chronicle Online
in China. With a proven track record and impressive
operational expertise for the Chinese online game market,
we are highly confident that The9 will lead the game
to be a huge success in China. Gravity Co. Ltd., of
course, will work closely with The9 and provide our
full support.”
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 Blizzard Entertainment's
World of Warcraft,
MU
and Mystina Online
and its first proprietary MMORGP, Joyful Journey West,
in China. It has also obtained exclusive licenses to
operate additional MMORPGs in China, including Granado
Espada,
Soul of The Ultimate Nation,
Guild Wars,
Hellgate: London,
Ragnarok Online 2
and Emil Chronicle Online.
In addition, The9 is also working on the development
of a 3D fantasy MMORPG game, Fantasy Melody Online .
About Gravity Co., Ltd.
Based in South Korea, Gravity is a developer and publisher
of online games. Gravity's principal product, Ragnarok
Online,
is a popular online game in many markets, including
Japan, Taiwan and Thailand, and is currently commercially
offered in 21 markets. For more information about Gravity,
please visit http://www.gravity.co.kr.
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, information disseminated over the Internet
and Internet content providers 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 annual reports
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, please contact:
Ms. Dahlia Wei
Senior Manager, Investor Relations
The9 Limited
Tel: +86 (21) 5172-9990
Email: IR@corp.the9.com
Website:
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