PRESS RELEASES
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WEBZEN SELLS CHINA RIGHTS FOR HUXLEY TO THE9
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WEBZEN SELLS CHINA RIGHTS FOR HUXLEY TO THE9 FOR $35 MILLION
- Agreement Marks the Largest Export License for a Korean Online Games Developer
SEOUL, South Korea – Feb. 12, 2007 – WEBZEN Inc. (NASDAQ: WZEN), a leading global online entertainment company, today announced that it has signed an export license contract for the much-anticipated massively multiplayer online first person shooting game (MMOFPS) Huxley with China’s premier game publisher The 9.
The total projected amount of the agreement for Huxley’s distribution and service rights is estimated at $35 million. This includes the down payment and a minimum guarantee for a three year period, while the royalty rate is set at 22% for the duration of the contracted term. The agreement covers the PC version of the game.
With additional profit sharing, such as revenues from in-game advertisements, the value of this contract is believed to be the largest export transaction for a single game to a single country for a Korean game developer.
“With this first deal in China, we are confident that we will continue to have additional Huxley contracts in other territories around the world,” said Nam Ju Kim, chief executive officer, Webzen, Inc. “We expect that Huxley will emerge as a flagship title for WEBZEN, based on its high anticipation in Korea, China, the U.S. and other key markets.”
Huxley marks the third Webzen game to be licensed to The9 in China. Following behind The9’s successful launch, operation and marketing support of MU, Webzen granted the Chinese game provider the rights to Soul of the Ultimate Nation, which is currently in closed beta testing in China.
A launch date for Huxley in China has not been announced, but the game is scheduled to launch its PC version in Korea later this year.
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February 12 2007
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CINDY ARMSTRONG TO KEYNOTE SPEAK FOR THE 2007 ONLINE GAME DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
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SEATTLE, Wash. – Nov. 14, 2006 – The 2007 Online Game Development Conference (OGDC) continues to take shape with the announcement of Cindy Armstrong, CEO, WEBZEN America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of WEBZEN Inc. (NASDAQ: WZEN), as the lead keynote on the first day, May 10, of the conference. Ms. Armstrong brings a wealth of unique experience and insight about online interactive entertainment to the speaker’s podium, just as she has to many boardrooms.
Over the course of her successful career, Ms. Armstrong has invested more than 15 years in the online entertainment business. Prior to her appointment to CEO of WEBZEN America in April 2006, Ms. Armstrong led business development, emerging markets, international expansion and product acquisition as vice president of business development at Sony Online Entertainment (SOE). Her previous posts at high-visibility companies like Nintendo of America, Retro Studios, Activision UK, among other firms, are also highlights on her distinguished resume.
“To be a keynote speaker amongst the company of so many talented online game professionals is truly an honor,” said Cindy Armstrong, CEO, WEBZEN America, Inc. “OGDC is an ideal forum for developers to discuss the evolving online interactive entertainment industry, and as a representative of WEBZEN America I am more than pleased to offer my insight and experience.”
“I can hardly think of anyone more appropriate than Cindy Armstrong, a pioneer in the online games business, to kick off the OGDC in 2007,” said Peter Freese, the conference chair for OGDC. “Her experience in both the Western and Eastern connected gaming markets is exactly the kind of voice we want to share with other developers.”
OGDC is tailored to offer game developers forward-thinking, in-depth answers to the challenges facing the fast-growing, rapidly evolving online segment of the game development industry. OGDC will be held on May 10-11, 2007 at the elegant Fairmont Olympic in downtown Seattle. Visit the official website http://www.ogdc2007.com for the latest news and information, including registration, how to submit a proposal as a speaker, and more.
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November 14 2006
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WEBZEN TO FEATURE ITS EXCITING TITLES AND EVENTS
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- Webzen plans prize-giveaways during hands-on demos of Huxley and Kingdom of Warriors
- Webzen to feature b-boy performance and other events for visitor to its booths
SEOUL – November 6, 2006 – Global online entertainment company Webzen Inc. (www.webzen.com) announced today that it will be showcasing an impressive array of game titles, along with a variety of exciting events for visitors at G-Star 2006, at KINTEX from November 9-12, 2006.
Featuring a diverse line-up of titles including Huxley – which has already garnered rave reviews at E3 2006 and ChinaJoy 2006 – and the first-ever hands-on demo of Kingdom of Warriors in Korea, Webzen will also be offering an assortment of events to attract visitors to its 60-booth exhibit area located to the right of the main entrance. Visitors to Webzen’s booths can try their hand at combat during the game demos to win special gifts and prizes.
In addition, Soul of the Ultimate Nation subscribers are invited to learn hidden tactics and methods and experience the game’s spectacular action and graphics at the exclusive “Sun Online Lounge.” Subscribers are also free to explore actual missions on PC stations in the lounge, where there will also be prize giveaways.
Meanwhile, the professional b-boy team Expression is scheduled to perform breakdances four times daily. With the most downloaded Web video during the first half of 2006 under their belt, Expression is set to enthrall visitors to Webzen’s booths with “Marionette Performance,” “Beatbox,” and “Freestyle Dance.”
Other planned events include a quiz game show featuring trivia from Webzen titles as well as photo opportunities with booth girls made up of well-known racing-girls and with women in game character costumes. Visitors will also be able to upload photos taken with models or with WEBZEN logo bearing the stylized “W” onto WEBZEN’s games Web site (www.webzengames.com) for chances to win valuable prizes including an Olympus digital camera.
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November 09 2006
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WEBZEN TO OFFER FREE PLAY, MICROTRANSACATIONS
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SEOUL, South Korea – Nov. 7, 2006 – WEBZEN Inc. (NASDAQ: WZEN), a leading global online entertainment company, today announced that the company will present a new payment model to its gamers in Korea for its upcoming online video game, Soul of the Ultimate Nation. The highly anticipated game, which is currently in the open beta phase in Korea, will offer players free basic service in the market with optional in-game items and services offered for nominal fees, also known as micropayments.
Players will continue to enjoy the basic game service at no charge in Korea when Soul of the Ultimate Nation enters commercial service in the coming weeks. Upon commercialization on Nov. 14, 2006, Webzen will offer players character and world transfer services, as well as character changing services in its first phase of microtransactions. Phase two, which will roll out shortly after initial commercialization, will provide players a variety of unique convenience-focused in-game items and services to enhance their gaming experience, all available through an in-game shop.
“WEBZEN is extremely excited to ring in this new era of commercial service for highly produced MMORPGs as we offer free game play combined with microtransactions in Soul of the Ultimate Nation,” said Nam Ju Kim, CEO, WEBZEN Inc. “Microtransactions are widely accepted and preferred by thousands upon thousands of Korean online gamers. Players are familiar and comfortable with the business model and appreciate the flexibility and the value that microtransactions bring to their online gaming experiences.”
Soul of the Ultimate Nation is the epic fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that delivers intense game play with its quick and easy combat system. Players can jump into action and customize group missions through the unique Battle Zone System and embark on a graphically stunning and ever-expanding online fantasy world. With a captivating cast of characters, Soul of the Ultimate Nation is an epic tale set in a world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. Soul of the Ultimate Nation will be available for PC players in the United States in 2007
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November 07 2006
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WEBZEN TO SHOWCASE UNPRECEDENTED MMOG LINEUP
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- Leading Korean Online Games Company to Provide Attendees First Hands-on Demos of MMOFPS Huxley and Fantasy MMORPG Kingdom of Warriors
SEOUL, South Korea – Nov. 6, 2006 – Global online entertainment company WEBZEN Inc. (NASDAQ: WZEN) announced today its stellar line-up of PC and next-generation massively multiplayer online games (MMOG) to be showcased at G-Star, November 9-12 in Seoul.
For their second appearance at G-Star, WEBZEN will showcase a diverse range of games that include the upcoming epic fantasy MMO role-playing game Soul of the Ultimate Nation, which is currently in open beta service in Korea and the intense MMO First Person Shooter Huxley, and the attitude-driven urban action MMOG All Points Bulletin (APB), all currently in development for the North American market. Other dynamic online games from WEBZEN on hand at the booth will include Project Wiki, Parfait Station and Kingdom of Warriors.
WEBZEN will provide demos of both Huxley and Kingdom of Warriors at G-Star, marking the first time local gamers will be able to get their hands on both games. In addition, attendees can play live demos of Soul of the Ultimate Nation.
“We are thrilled to participate in G-Star as it is an ideal platform to showcase WEBZEN’s highly anticipated titles for the Korean market,” said NamJu Kim, chief executive officer, WEBZEN Inc. “We are confident that our games will be well-received by the Korean audience, just as they have in past global exhibitions including E3 and ChinaJoy.”
Soul of the Ultimate Nation™ is the much anticipated MMORPG that delivers intense action with its quick and easy combat system. Players can jump into action and customize group missions through the unique Battle Zone System and embark on a graphically stunning and ever-expanding online fantasy world. With a unique battle systems and a captivating cast of characters, Soul of the Ultimate Nation is an epic tale in a world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. Soul of the Ultimate Nation will be available for PC.
Huxley is a massively multiplayer online first person shooting game (MMOFPS) utilizing the UNREAL3 engine to create an unparalleled twitch action 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 three opposing races, Sapiens, Alternatives and Hybrids. 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. Huxley will be available for PC and the Xbox 360™.
All Points Bulletin (APB) is the only massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) to combine nearly limitless customization with blisteringly intense action in a city that never sleeps. Designed by the creator of the original Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise, 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. In a classic “cops vs. robbers” scenario, players can be Enforcement, who take on the challenge of supporting and safeguarding justice, or Criminals, who operate against the law and any opposing groups by any means necessary.
Project Wiki is an innovative fairy-tale massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) featuring a classical cel-shaded cartoon style that allows for incredible emotional expression in a visually stunning world.
Parfait Station is a unique action and shooting oriented massively multiplayer online role-playing game that supports 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-based battles require skilled evading and counter attacks; victories are determined by team play, control and strategy.
Kingdom of Warriors (KOW) is an epic fantasy MMORPG based on the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Developed by WEBZEN’s Chinese subsidiary, WEBZEN China, Kingdom of Warriors takes players into the chaotic period of Three Kingdoms and transforms them into larger-than-life heroes. The game features actual figures from ancient Chinese history, an unfolding saga with heroic tales and brilliant strategic battles of the Three Kingdoms era. Kingdom of Warriors is currently scheduled for commercial service in 2007 in China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and other strategic Asian markets.
WEBZEN invites gamers and other show visitors to stop by the publisher’s booth located at the entrance of Hall No. 4.
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November 06 2006
