SHANGHAI, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) ("Giant"), one of China's leading online game developers and operators, and Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd (NYSE: QIHU) ("Qihoo 360), a leading provider of internet and mobile security products in China, announced today that they will collaborate in operating Qianjun Online, a customized micro-client version of Giant's ZT Online 2, the first in Giant's game portfolio.
Qianjun Online retains nearly all of the core gameplay mechanics of ZT Online 2, Giant's second flagship 2D client-based massively multiplayer online role playing game ("MMORPG"), which began open beta testing in September 2011 and reached over 541,000 peak concurrent users ("PCU") on April 22, 2012. In addition, Qianjun Online includes improved graphics and designed characters and quests. Although the micro-client installation file size is only approximately one percent of the MMORPG installation client file size, the micro-client version provides a complete game experience to users. Qianjun Online also adopts Qihoo 360's latest internet security technologies to enhance the protection of users' computers and game accounts.
Ms. Wei Liu, director and president of Giant said, "Micro-client games such as Qianjun Online make client-based MMORPGs more accessible to potential new customers as the small file size of the game software makes it much easier to download and begin playing. This collaboration also allows us to leverage on the massive user base provided by Qihoo 360, a leading internet platform company. We believe Qianjun Online will bring a thrilling experience for gamers."
Mr. Yuzhu Shi, chairman and chief executive officer of Giant commented, "We are pleased to announce our first micro-client game, Qianjun Online, in collaboration with Qihoo 360. Our extension into micro-client games offers incremental opportunities for Giant to market and operate its blockbuster games, helping to further expand the user base of client-based games. As a leading online game developer and operator with a sharp focus on innovation, Giant strives to deliver innovative, fun-to-play experiences to gamers. The development of the micro-client Qianjun Online and the new partnership with Qihoo 360 provide us new opportunities to extend such experience and expand our client-based game business. We look forward to a successful partnership with Qihoo 360."
Mr. Hongyi Zhou, chairman and chief executive officer of Qihoo 360 commented, "We are extremely pleased to work with Giant. As a leading internet platform company in China, we have built our 400+ million massive user base by offering comprehensive internet and mobile security solutions and key internet access points such as the browser and app store. Giant has extensive experience in online game development and a proven ability to understand users' needs. With our user base and Giant's game experience, we believe that both companies are well positioned to collaborate in marketing and operating Qianjun Online, Giant's first micro-client game."
About Giant
Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) is a leading online game developer and operator in China in terms of market share, and focuses on massively multiplayer online role playing games. Currently, Giant operates multiple games, including the ZT Online 1 Series, ZT Online 2, Giant Online, XT Online, The Golden Land, and Elsword. Giant has built a nationwide distribution network to sell the prepaid game cards and game points required to play its games. For more information, please visit Giant Interactive Group on the web at www.ga-me.com.
About Qihoo 360
Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd. (NYSE: QIHU) is a leading Internet company in China. The Company is also the number one provider of Internet and mobile security products in China as measured by its user base, according to iResearch. Qihoo 360 also provides users with secure access points to the Internet via its market leading web browsers and application stores. The Company has built one of the largest open Internet platforms in China. Qihoo 360 monetizes its massive user base primarily through online advertising and through Internet value-added services on its open platforms.
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this release contain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the 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 and among others, include statements regarding the expansion of Giant's client-based game business. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Actual results and financial condition and other circumstances may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements is included in Giant's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Giant's annual report on Form 20-F.
Investor Contacts
Giant Interactive Group, Inc.
Rich Chiang, IR Director
Tel: +86-21-3397-9959
Email: ir@ztgame.com
Kristie Chen, IR Manager
Tel: +86-21-33979971
Email: ir@ztgame.com
