PRESS RELEASES
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SOUL OF THE ULTIMATE NATION’S FIRST CLOSED BETA TEST
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WEBZEN ANNOUNCES THE START OF SOUL OF THE ULTIMATE NATION’S FIRST CLOSED BETA TEST
A Record-Breaking 303,000 Users Sign Up for 999 Lucky Slots
September 26, 2005 (SEOUL, Korea) – Webzen, Inc. today announced the start of the first closed beta test of Soul of the Ultimate Nation, the innovative action MMORPG. The test will take place for one week from September 27th to October 3rd.
During the registration of the first closed beta test, open from September 6th through 22nd, a record-breaking 303,000 users signed up. On September 23rd, the final 999 lucky users beat out the 303 to 1 odds to be chosen as beta testers. When the registration closed, Soul of the Ultimate Nation became the first title in online game history to sign up over 300,000 volunteers for a closed beta test.
“I’d like to thank the over 300,000 gamers who’ve shown so much interest and enthusiasm for Soul of the Ultimate Nation, despite this being still a closed beta test,” said Nam-Ju Kim, chief executive officer of Webzen, Inc. “With all the efforts that went in to perfecting the game, we’re expecting great reviews. Users taking part in this test are definitely in for an incredibly upgraded game experience with Soul of the Ultimate Nation.”
The selected 999 testers will be the first to try out the much-anticipated Soul of the Ultimate Nation. They will be able to experience for themselves the state-of-the-art graphics and differentiated action, starting with the town Tringel during initial log on to four maps (Forest of Beasts, Frozen Place, Valley of Dragons, and Underground waterway of Etherain), using four characters (Berserker, Dragon Knight, Valkyrie, and Elementalist) and approximately 100 skills.
In addition, the testers will get a chance to test out the battle zone system that maximizes gamer options and degree of freedom as well as other basic systems proprietary to Soul of the Ultimate Nation. By participating in bug reports and boards, they will also be exchanging a variety of ideas and opinions on further enhancing Soul of the Ultimate Nation’s gameplay.
Starting on September 27th, the testers can download the game program from Soul of the Ultimate Nation’s official website (www.sunonline.co.kr) to begin the official beta test. Applications will be accepted until October 3rd for Soul of the Ultimate Nation’s second closed beta test. The second test is scheduled for one week beginning October 11th.
About Webzen, Inc.
Founded in 2000 and based in Seoul, Korea, Webzen has become a leader in the MMOG market and has developed some of the world’s top online game and client/server technologies. In January of this year, Webzen announced its entry into the U.S. games market with a new subsidiary, Webzen America, based in Los Angeles.
For more information, please contact:
Webzen Inc. PR : [email protected] / 82-2-3498-6836
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September 26 2005
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WEBZEN ANNOUNCES CLOSED BETA TEST OF THE SUN
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Be the First to Experience the SUN
September 6, 2005 (SEOUL, Korea) – Webzen Inc.(www.webzen.com) today announced the opening of the SUN (Soul of the Ultimate Nation) closed beta tests for 10,999 lucky users.
The sign-up period will last for about a month, from today through October 3rd, on SUN’s close beta official website (www.sunonline.co.kr). Successful beta testers for phases 1 and 2 will be announced on the website on September 23rd and October 7th, respectively.
The first closed beta test takes place from September 27th through October 3rd with 999 selected testers, and the second test starts on October 11th with the remaining 10,000 testers.
With its KRW 10 billion production budget, SUN is an innovative next generation MMORPG game that renders visually stunning graphics in exquisite detail through the first-ever use of Normal mapping1 in online games. SUN boasts numerous differentiated elements, including the “map generation system” that allows gamers to set and play their own games. All signs are pointing to SUN as the blockbuster of 2005.
“SUN is Webzen’s next major title,” said Nam-Ju Kim, chief executive officer of Webzen, Inc., “and through the closed beta tests, it’s finally making its highly-anticipated debut.” He added, “Users will now get a chance to experience firsthand SUN’s visually-compelling graphics, powerful storyline, state-of-art technology, and extraordinary original soundtrack.”
To mark the start of the closed beta tests, Webzen is introducing the “Coming SUN: SUN Closed Beta Event.” Until October 3rd, “the SUN advanced party” members will be chosen from new subscribers, as well as users who apply for the beta tests. The selected SUN advanced party members will receive gifts through a variety of events.
In addition, from users who recommend friends through e-mail or messenger, 1,000 users – including 100 individual users and 10 guilds – who signs up the most new subscribers will get the opportunity to participate in the second closed beta test.
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September 06 2005
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WEBZEN UNVEILS DYNAMIC GAMES LINEUP FOR 2005 E3 EXPO
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Global online entertainment company Webzen Inc. officially announced today its complete games lineup for showcase at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles from May 18-20, 2005 (booth #700, South Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center). The enterprising display of the company’s massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) at Webzen’s 9,000 square foot booth will feature its upcoming titles for the international marketplace, including its committed user base across Asia and growing North American MMOG market. Titles debuting at the show include SUN, Huxley and All Points Bulletin (APB), all currently in development for the North American market. Also featured are Wiki, Parfait Station and international MMOG sensation MU.
“Webzen is going full force at this year’s E3 Expo,” said Nam-Ju Kim, chief executive officer for Webzen Inc. “With our history of success in the Asian marketplace, we are now ready to take massively multiplayer games to new heights on a global scale with new, genre-breaking games. I am confident convention goers will take notice of Webzen’s substantial presence at this year’s E3 Expo.”
SUN, the first title to incorporate console-style game mechanics into a classic massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), will entice gamers with action-packed intensity and stunning graphics. With unique battle systems and a captivating cast of characters, SUN is an epic tale in a world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters set to an original soundtrack by Howard Shore, Academy Award® winner and world-renowned composer of the theatrical score from the acclaimed “The Lord of the Rings” films. SUN will be available for PC/CD-ROM in Q1 2006 in North America.
Huxley is a massively multiplayer online first person shooting game (MMOFPS) utilizing the UNREAL3 engine to create an unparalleled gaming experience with up to 5,000 players in the same world. Huxley takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where human beings have mutated and are divided into two opposing races, Sapiens and Alternative. At the center of the battle for survival is Lunarites, a promising new energy source highly coveted by both races. Forced to battle against one another for the continuance of each race, Sapiens and Alternatives will do whatever it takes to wipe out the opposition and gain control of the world and its resources. Scheduled for release in 2006, Huxley will be available for PC/CD-ROM and the next-generation Xbox video game platform.
APB is a massively multiplayer online freeform combat and driving-based game designed by David Jones, creator of the original Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise. Developed by Real Time Worlds Ltd., APB brings players into a living, breathing city where cash is king and territory equals respect. In a fight to dominate the expansive world of APB, players must decide which side of the law to abide by: Law Enforcement taking on the challenge of supporting and safeguarding justice; or Gangs, who operate against the law and any opposing groups by any means necessary. APB will provide players with the ultimate customization options for weapons, vehicles and clothes to attitudes, music and environments. APB is scheduled to redefine the MMO genre for PC/CD-ROM in 2007.
Parfait Station is a unique action and shooting-oriented MMORPG supporting a party and guild system, giving players the option to either engage in battles with other groups or enjoy intense action in player vs. player mode. Strong action and fantasy-based battles require skilled evading and counter attacks with victories determined by team play, control and strategy. Parfait Station will be available for PC/CD-ROM in Q3 2005.
Wiki is a casual, community-based MMORPG based on intense levels of cooperative interaction. The relationships and actions of each individual player directly influence the entire Wiki world and all of its elements. Wiki incorporates an adaptive system enabling the decisions players make in quests and missions to contribute to the individual personalities of characters, including what they wear and their facial expressions. Wiki will deliver a lively, creative and interactive online game play experience in a whimsical and charming environment for PC/CD-ROM Q4 2005.
MU is Asia’s preeminent, fully 3D MMORPG. Set in a fantasy world on the legendary continent of MU, players embark on a fantasy-based adventure to save the continent through quests and missions. MU currently has more than 56 million registered users and up to 500,000 concurrent users from countries including Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. MU is available now and will be online for visitors to enjoy at the Webzen Inc. booth.
Founded in 2000 and based in Seoul, Korea, Webzen has become a leader in the MMOG market and has developed some of the world’s top online game and client/server technologies. In January of this year, Webzen announced its entry into the U.S. games market with a new subsidiary, Webzen America, based in Los Angeles.
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May 03 2005
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WEBZEN SIGNS HOWARD SHORE TO CREATE SOUNDTRACK FOR SUN
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Global online entertainment company, Webzen, Inc. (Nasdaq: Wzen) announced today the company has signed Oscar® and Grammy® award-winning composer Howard Shore to compose the music for the upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), SUN. Famous for his work on the acclaimed “The Lord of the Rings” films, Shore has also composed musical scores for other blockbuster films including “The Aviator,” “The Gangs of New York,” and “The Silence of the Lambs.” In addition to his work on SUN, Shore is also in post-production with Peter Jackson on the upcoming “King Kong” movie. SUN is scheduled for release in North America on the PC in Q4 2005.
“It is a privilege for Webzen, Inc. to work with such a talented composer like Howard Shore,” said Nam Ju Kim, CEO of Webzen, Inc. “His composing legacy has spanned decades and we’re excited to be a part of his video game debut. We are confident that Howard will leave his signature mark on SUN and help elevate the quality and overall entertainment experience of the game to unprecedented levels in the online entertainment world.”
In composing the signature soundtrack for SUN, Howard Shore turned to The National Philharmonic of Russia (NPR). He is utilizing over 60 of the best orchestra players in Russia, and also using the expertise of renowned conductor Vladimir Spivakov.
SUN is the first title to incorporate console-style game mechanics into a classic MMORPG. With action-packed intensity, stunning graphics, unique battle systems, and a captivating cast of characters, SUN is an epic medieval tale set in a rich world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. Under the reign of the Immortal Emperor, Schwarz, the Geist Empire has ruled the Blandis continent for five hundred years. Possessing secret knowledge of the essence of nature known as Ether, Emperor Schwarz converted the precious Ether into dark energy, and used it to conquer the entire continent with his formidable armies. The continued extraction of Ether has impoverished the land, causing the Empire to turn its eyes to the rich lands of neighboring nations to continue its supremacy. With insurrection inevitable, a rebel leader, Ignis, has formed an elite force called the Guidance, who have declared war against the Empire.
Howard Shore has composed the scores to more than 60 films, and has received numerous awards and accolades. Some of these include, Grammy®, Oscar®, Golden Globe, Two Los Angeles Film Critic Awards, The Chicago Film Critics, The Broadcast Film Critics, BFCA Critic’s Choice Award, Five BAFTA nominations in Great Britain, a Gotham Award in New York, two Saturn Awards for Science Fiction, a Genie Award in Canada and four World Soundtrack Awards.
On November 29, 2003, Shore conducted the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in the world premiere of his work, “The Lord of the Rings Symphony: Six Movements for Orchestra and Chorus” in Wellington, New Zealand. Shore is currently touring the symphony, conducting performances all over the world. Each of the symphony's six movements corresponds to a book within J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. The concerts feature over two hundred onstage performers, including a large orchestra, adult and boy choruses and numerous vocal and instrumental soloists. The symphony has been performed in cities including Antwerp, London, Chicago, Tokyo, Philadelphia, Seville, Sydney, Moscow, and many more.
Founded in 2000 and based in Seoul, Korea, Webzen has become a leader in the MMOG market, and has developed some of the world’s top online game and client/server technologies. Webzen’s latest title, MU, has over 56 million users and a half million concurrent users from the Asian market alone. In January of this year, Webzen announced its entry into the U.S. games market with a new subsidiary, Webzen America, based in Los Angeles.
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April 12 2005
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WEBZEN ESTABLISHES 9 STUDIOS TO CREATE NEW TITLES
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Global online entertainment company, Webzen, Inc. (Nasdaq: Wzen) announced today the formation of nine development studios to create new intellectual property for the online games market worldwide. The studios have secured 450 developers total, 350 of them internally employed by Webzen. The company has created some of the world’s top PC online game and client/server technologies and is also working with Microsoft to develop games for the next generation game consoles.
“To become a global online entertainment leader it was essential for Webzen to grow the company’s information technology and internal development infrastructure, as well as align ourselves with the industry’s most talented game creators,” said Nam Joo Kim, CEO of Webzen, Inc. “Webzen is serious about making high quality online games that players around the world can enjoy. We’re committing more resources than any other games publisher to make this a reality.”
Earlier in the year, Webzen announced part of its product portfolio that will be unveiled at the video game industry’s largest trade show, the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, May 18-20, 2005. The line up includes the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), SUN; massively multiplayer online first person shooter (MMOFPS), Huxley; and All Points Bulletin (APB), the first online game developed by David Jones, the creator of the multi-million unit selling video game franchise, Grand Theft Auto, and his UK-based game development company, Real Time Worlds (RTW).
Developed internally at Webzen, SUN is the first title to incorporate console-style game mechanics into a classic MMORPG. With action-packed intensity, stunning graphics, unique battle systems, and a captivating cast of characters, SUN is an epic medieval tale set in a rich world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. Available in fourth quarter, the game will be Webzen’s first title for release in the U.S. market.
Also being developed internally is massively multiplayer online first-person shooting game (MMO/FPS), Huxley, which is scheduled to release in fourth quarter 2006. Huxley takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where human beings have mutated and are divided into two opposing races, Sapiens and Alternative. Forced to struggle for survival due to limited resources, the Sapiens and Alternatives are willing to do what it takes in order to wipe out the conflicting race and gain control of the world and its resources.
Webzen’s All Points Bulletin (APB) is a massively multiplayer online freeform combat and driving-based game. APB brings players into a living, breathing city where cash is king and territory equals respect. In a fight to dominate the expansive world of APB, players must decide which side of the law to abide by, choosing to form Squads, who seek to uphold the law, or Gangs, whose aim is to break it. APB will provide players with the ultimate customization options from their weapons, vehicles and clothes to their attitude, music, and environment. APB will be available in 2007.
Founded in 2000 and based in Seoul, Korea, Webzen has become a leader in the MMOG market, and has developed some of the world’s top online game and client/server technologies. Webzen’s latest title, MU, has over 56 million users and a half million concurrent users from the Asian market alone. In January of this year, Webzen announced its entry into the U.S. games market with a new subsidiary, Webzen America, based in Los Angeles.
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April 05 2005