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The9 Obtains Exclusive License to Operate Ragnarok Online 2(R) in Mainland China

2007-01-10 19:13 1761


SHANGHAI, China, Jan. 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- 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(R), 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(R), also a MMORPG, in mainland China for a period of three years from the commercial launch of the game.

Ragnarok Online 2(R), subtitled "Epic of the Light", is the original sequel of Ragnarok Online(R), 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(R) 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(R) 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(R) and Emil Chronicle Online(R) 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(R) 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(R) and Emil Chronicle Online(R) 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(R)'s World of Warcraft(R), MU(R) and Mystina Online(R) 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(R), Soul of The Ultimate Nation(R), Guild Wars(R), Hellgate: London(R), Ragnarok Online 2(R) and Emil Chronicle Online(R). 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(TM), 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: http://www.corp.the9.com

Source: The9 Limited
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