BURLINGAME, Calif. &
SHANGHAI, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ --
OpenFeint, Inc. and The9 Limited (NASDAQ: NCTY) ("The9"), an online
game operator and developer in China, today announced that "The9 Game Zone"
powered by the largest mobile social gaming network OpenFeint is
now officially available in China.
"The9 Game Zone" is a mobile social gaming platform for Chinese
gamers (http://m.the9.com). As a localized version of OpenFeint,
The9 Game Zone is a new distribution channel for mobile game
developers looking to expand to China.
The9 Limited is one of the earliest providers of social
networking services and online games in China. Familiar with the distribution,
payment, and intellectual property issues specific to the Chinese
game market, The9 is well equipped to help game developers launch
games in China.
"We're thrilled to partner with The9 in China. With the launch of The9 Game Zone in
China, OpenFeint is opening a
great global distribution channel for game developers," said
Jason Citron, CEO of OpenFeint,
Inc.
The9 Game Zone provides developers with development tools. By
using its SDK, mobile game developers can transform traditional
stand-alone mobile games into interactive, social online games.
With future product updates, developers will also be able to
cross-promote their games, monetize users with the sale of virtual
goods and virtual currency, display advertisements, and more
revenue-making activities.
OpenFeint, Inc. announced last week that it was acquired by
GREE, Inc., Japan's leading mobile
social gaming platform. Combined, these networks reach over 100
million registered users and 5,400 games on mobile platforms like
Apple's iOS and Google's Android.
"With the launch of The9 Game Zone powered by OpenFeint, this
leading mobile social game platform is now officially introduced to
Chinese users and developers," said Mr. Jun
Zhu, The9's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, "I hope
that more developers will have co-operation with the platform and
mobile game users can experience the fun in making friends through
playing games and competition at The9 Game Zone."
OpenFeint, Inc. and The9 are committed to bringing high quality
content to China and Android. Last
month, the two companies announced a strategic partnership with the
US $100 million Fund9 to help fund
games that move from iOS to Android.
About The9 Limited
The9 Limited is an online game operator and developer in
China. The9 directly, or through
affiliates, operates licensed MMORPGs including Soul of The
Ultimate Nation™, Atlantica and Kingdom Heroes 2 Online in mainland
China. The9 has also obtained
exclusive licenses to operate other online games in mainland
China, including Seoyugi,
Planetside 2 and Free Realms. In addition, The9 operates its
proprietary MMORPG World of Fighter, and web and SNS game Winning
Goal, in mainland China and
overseas. The9 is also developing various proprietary games,
including ShenXianZhuan, Firefall and other MMORPG, web and SNS
games. In 2010, The9 established its Mobile Business Unit to focus
on mobile internet business.
About OpenFeint
OpenFeint is the largest mobile social gaming network with over
77 million registered users and 5,400 games. OpenFeint, Inc. is
part of GREE, Inc., the largest mobile social gaming platform in
Japan. Developers interested in
more information about OpenFeint and its leading mobile social
gaming technology should visit OpenFeint.com/Developers.
For further information, please
contact:
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Ms. Phyllis Sai
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Manager, Investor
Relations
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The9 Limited
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Tel:
+86 (21) 5172-9990
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Email:
IR@corp.the9.com
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Website:
http://www.corp.the9.com
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Ken Johnston
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VSCpr for OpenFeint
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OpenFeint, Inc.
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Email:
ken@vscconsulting.com
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SOURCE The9 Limited