SHANGHAI, China, Jan. 28 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) (“Giant” or the “Company”), one of China’s leading online game developers and operators, today announced plans to officially begin open beta testing of ZT Online PTP on January 29, 2008.
ZT Online PTP places Giant’s award-winning game, ZT Online, into a pay-to-play model, in which users are charged to access the game’s content. Game cards for ZT Online PTP can be purchased for a fee of RMB 0.3 per hour or RMB 50 per month. This model is in contrast to that of ZT Online, which is a free-to-play game, but allows players to purchase virtual items and services in order to advance within the game.
Through ZT Online PTP, Giant aims to target players attracted to ZT Online’s ancient Chinese setting and MMORPG format, but who prefer an alternative to the free-to-play model. Giant believes that the simultaneous operation of both pay-to-play and free-to-play online games will allow it to appeal to a broader audience and expand its customer base.
Since ZT Online PTP first entered public beta testing on September 15, 2007, Giant has improved the game and tailored it according to player feedback and suggestions. The new version to be tested will include updates such as enhanced game-play with regards to equipment, player tasks and social systems, among others. The result is an innovative, exciting game that combines ZT Online’s popular content with new features and elements that appeal to players favoring pay-to-play online games.
About Giant Interactive Group Inc.
Giant is one of China’s leading online game developers and operators in terms of revenues, focusing on massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Giant’s game, ZT Online, was voted the most popular online game in China in 2006 according to International Data Corporation. Giant has three additional online games that it intends to commercially launch, including ZT Online PTP, Giant Online and King of Kings III. Giant has built a nationwide distribution network to sell prepaid game cards and game points required to play its games, which as of September 30, 2007, consisted of over 200 distributors, and reached over 116,500 retail outlets, including internet cafes, software stores, supermarkets, bookstores, newspaper stands and convenience stores located throughout China. For more information, please visit Giant Interactive Group on the web at http://www.giantig.com .
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to, among other things, the commencement date of open beta testing for ZT Online PTP, the expected demand for pay-to-play online games and our ability to attract new players. We may be unable to commence open beta testing for ZT Online PTP in a timely manner, or at all. In addition, demand for pay-to-play online games may not be as large as anticipated and we may not be able to attract new players. Furthermore our industry is highly competitive and we face a number of risks including those outlined under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of our prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2007. We undertake no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release. Such information speaks only as of the date of this release.
For more information, please contact:
Investor Contact:
Eric He, CFO
Giant Interactive Group Inc.
Tel: +86-21-6451-5001
Investor Relations (US):
Mahmoud Siddig
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
Investor Relations (HK):
Ruby Yim
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +852-3196-3712
Media Contact:
John Dooley
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
