BEIJING, Nov. 19 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Beijing Perfect World Network Technology Co., Ltd. ("PW Network" or "the Company"), today announced that it expects closed beta testing ("CBT") for "Chi Bi", China's first war epic online game, will be launched in December 2007.
The Company and China Film Group Corporation ("CFGC") have agreed to co-promote the game "Chi Bi" and the movie directed by famous Hollywood director John Woo that goes by the same name in Chinese -- which in English translates to "Red Cliff". While previous online games developed around China's "Three Kingdoms period" (208 AD- 280 AD) focus more on historical settings and themes, "Chi Bi" focuses on providing players with authentic battle experiences from the period and gives new meaning to phrase "epic online war game".
PW Network and CFGC will cooperate to integrate the graphic layout in "Chi Bi" with "Red Cliff" allowing game players to enjoy the similar thrills and excitement provided by the movie.
"The reason why 'Chi Bi' is positioned as an 'epic online war game' lies in our technological competency, which allows us to enhance battle excitement and produce grand battlefield visuals using our Angelica 3D engine," said Mr. Zhu Qi, Senior Vice President of the Company, "Moreover, with our close cooperation with GFGC's experienced film production team to synchronize the use of resources and each other's strengths, we hope to provide the same level of excitement and joy for both movie viewers and game players, and at the same time have them experience the real 'Three Kingdoms Period' history and traditional Chinese culture."
(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/200711191933.jpg )
China Film Group Corporation (CFGC)
Authorized by the State Council and Inaugurated in 1951 as China Film Corporation, China Film Group Corporation (CFGC) was consolidated in 1999. It is composed of eight units, including the former China Film Corporation, Beijing Film Studio, China Children Film Studio, China Film Co-Production Corporation, China Film Equipment Corporation, China Central Television Movie Channel, Beijing Film and Video Laboratory and Huayun Film & TV Laser Disc Co. Ltd. CFGC is the most comprehensive and extensive state-owned film enterprise in China with the most complete industry chain facilitating film production, distribution and exhibition as a coordinated process and integrating film, TV and video into a single entity.
Its Beijing Film Studio and China Children's Film Studio, which boast a history of more than 50 years and almost 1,000 films, are a solid foundation for CFGC's production brand. Since its establishment in 1999, CFGC has produced more than 200 feature films. Its creative and production power has brought together a great production team, talent, developed a favorable production environment, and attracted world famous producers to form an internationalized, commercialized and standardized mutually beneficial co-production platform for filmmakers.
CFGC's successful distribution of films like Launch Shock to Be Born, Zhang Side, Huayao Bride in Shangrila, The Promise, The Knot, You and Me, Hot Boys, The Parking Attendant in July, The Secret of the Magic Gourd, have ensured its lion's share in the domestic film market and allure to the global co-production market.
The Film: Red Cliff
CFCG, Hong Kong Emperor Group, Beijing Forbidden City Film Co., Chengdu Media Group and Avex Group etc. jointly invested US$80 million to shoot 'Red Cliff", one of the most expensive Chinese movie ever filmed. The film production team includes John Woo, Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Chen Chang, Zhang Fengyi, Hu Jun, Tong Dawei, Chiling Lin, and Vicki Zhao etc.
The film is being shot in Zhuozhou, Hebei Province, the home town of Zhang Fei and Liu Bei, two leading historical figures during "Three Kingdoms Period".
About Beijing Perfect World Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Perfect World Network Technology Co., Ltd ("PW Network" or "the Company") is a leading integrated online game service provider focused on developing, operating, marketing and servicing online games. The Company primarily focuses on developing high-quality interactive entertainment products and building a highly recognized brand name in China. With talented professionals, a strong management team, powerful technological capabilities and extensive marketing and operational experience, the Company is committed to continuously improving its brands, expanding overseas, and introducing Chinese interactive entertainment products to the world.
Products
All of the Company's products have been designed and developed with care, and a singular focus of providing players with an unparalleled online experience.
PERFECT WORLD ( http://world2.wanmei.com )
Perfect World is a 3D online adventure game that was created in a highly imaginative fantasy world.
"Creating a world, enjoying it to the fullest!"
PERFECT WORLD II ( http://w2i.wanmei.com )
Perfect World II is a highly accessible international version based on the original Perfect World game. It allows players from different countries to simultaneously enjoy the charming and enchanting world of the Chinese online game.
"Experience the feeling, and the world will be with you!"
LEGEND OF MARTIAL ARTS ( http://wulin2.wanmei.com )
In cooperation with a popular TV drama, Legend of Martial Arts is an innovative online 3D cartoon style knight-errant comedy game that was launched in 2006. The game was designed based on the same titled popular TV comedy and takes place in traditional Chinese setting.
"Enjoying the unexpected!"
ZHU XIAN ( http://zhuxian.wanmei.com )
Zhu Xian is an online fantasy game that was launched in 2007 and is based on an extremely popular internet novel of the same name. The game allows players to experience a truly visionary world and has become one of the most popular fantasy-based online games in China.
"Loves shake the heaven and Zhu Xian reemerges!"
CHI BI ( http://chibi.wanmei.com )
Chi Bi is a highly anticipated three kingdoms epic online game that is expected to be launched soon. It was named the "Top 10 Most Anticipated Online Games by Game Players" in November 2007 by ChinaJoy Jin Ling Award. The game is based on the history of the Three Kingdoms in China and allows players to revisit with the famous "Burning Chi Bi".
