SHANGHAI, China, July 23 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) (“Giant” or the “Company”), one of China’s leading online game developers and operators, announced today its plans to launch ZT Online Classic Edition, which will begin closed beta testing on July 23, 2008 and will operate concurrently with the original ZT Online.
Our first game ZT Online, supported by continuously updated gameplay, features and functionality, has demonstrated phenomenal growth since its open beta test in April 2006, attracting new and loyal users daily. And while these upgrades have been well-received by the majority of our players, we have collected feedback from a segment of our gaming audience who prefer the original features and gameplay of ZT Online from the earlier days of its operation. As part of our market segmentation strategy, we are excited to meet this demand with the launch of ZT Online Classic Edition, a traditional version of the game that returns much of the functionality and features familiar to early players of ZT Online. ZT Online Classic Edition is designed to target former ZT Online players by providing a fun and accessible gaming experience.
Mr. Yuzhu Shi, Giant’s Chairman and CEO commented, “At Giant, we pride ourselves on our ability to quickly respond to the changing preferences of our players. As ZT Online continues to evolve, we recognized the need to support those of our players who, whether from nostalgia, gameplay preferences, or monetary considerations, may prefer a more traditional or ‘classic’ gaming experience. We hope that ZT Online Classic Edition will fill that role by providing a more approachable entry-point. While we expect ZT Online Classic Edition will be well received by its target audience, we do not expect that it will have a material impact on the company’s financial position or outlook.”
About Giant
Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) 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 first game, ZT Online, was voted the most popular online game in China in 2006 according to the International Data Corporation. The Company’s second game, Giant Online, entered into open beta testing on March 28, 2008. Giant has two additional online games that it intends to commercially launch, including King of Kings III and Empire of Sports. Giant has built a nationwide distribution network to sell the prepaid game cards and game points required to play its games, which as of March 31, 2008 consisted of over 270 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.ga-me.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 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,” “confident” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Giant’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking. These statements include, among other things, Giant’s ability to expand its player base and increase player loyalty through the release of ZT Online Classic Edition. Actual results may vary considerably; the release of ZT Online Classic Edition may not generate the anticipated benefits, including broadening of our player base and increasing player loyalty or otherwise increasing revenues and generating shareholder value. In addition, Giant’s industry is highly competitive and it faces a number of risks including those outlined under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 of Giant’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2008. Giant undertakes 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, Director
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
Investor Relations (HK):
Ruby Yim, Managing Director
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +852-3196-3712
Media Contact:
John Dudzinsky, Director
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
