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| World of Warcraft® Commercial Launch on June 7, 2005 |
Shanghai, China - June 7, 2005, The9 Limited (NASDAQ: NCTY), an online game operator and developer in China, and Blizzard Entertainment today announced that World of Warcraft ("WoW") has commercially launched in China on June 7, 2005. WoW has been played by millions of unique users in China since the commencement of the All-Access Open Beta Test on April 26, 2005. Four data centers hosting approximately 190 server groups have been opened. The WoW All-Access Open Beta Test ended on June 5, 2005 for maintenance of servers to ensure stabilization and high efficiency of server usage upon commercial launch.
Details of the commercial launch for WoW in China are:
CD-Key System
Subsequent to commercial launch, players must use an authorized CD-Key to activate their WoW accounts and to enter WoW. Each CD-key costs RMB30 and can be purchased through the WoW official website. In addition, each CD-Key can only be used for one-time authentication and 5 hours free game time will be granted with each authorized CD-Key.
Charging Method
We offer WoW Points Cards at RMB30 for 600 game points. Each Points Card can be used at a rate of 9 points per hour (RMB0.45/hour).
The commercialized version of WoW will offer more amazing content and features, with plenty of adventures for players to reach the maximum level cap of 60. The widely expected Battlegrounds enhancement, which will enhance the player-versus-player experience in WoW, will be offered to the Chinese players soon.
About The9 Limited
The9 Limited is a leading online game operator and developer in China. Currently, The9's business is primarily focused on operating and developing MMORPGs which would allow thousands of players to concurrently log on to network servers to "role-play" characters in a virtual world.
The9 operates MU in China through 9Webzen Limited, a joint venture in which The9 owns 51%. MU is a 3D MMORPG licensed from Webzen Inc., a Korean online game developer and operator. The9 has also obtained exclusive licenses to operate additional MMORPGs in China, including "World of Warcraft " ("WoW") licensed from Blizzard Entertainment, "Mystina Online" and "ZhiZun" licensed from online game developers in China, and "Granado Espada" licensed from Hanbitsoft, Inc., a Korean online game developer. In addition, The9 has developed its first proprietary MMORPG titled "Joyful Journey West" ("JJW") which will commence open-beta test in the second half of 2005.
The9 has commercially launched MU, Mystina Online and WoW and expects to commercially launch JJW and ZhiZun in China in 2005. Since it commenced operations in 1999, The9 has experienced substantial growth and become one of the largest online game operators in China.
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. 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, 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. 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
Ms. Hannah Lee
The9 Limited
Tel: +86 (21) 3217-4567 ext. 9990
Email:
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