(12 February 2009, Hong Kong) NetDragon Websoft Inc., a leading game developer and operator in the PRC (“NetDragon”, with its subsidiaries collectively known as the “Group”; stock code: 777), announced its cooperation with Mr. Stephen Chow, the renowned movie director and actor, who will act as the “Ambassador of Happiness” for its upcoming online game Way of the Five.
Being scheduled for an open beta-testing on 7 March 2009, Way of the Five is a cartoon-version of turn-based online game self-developed by NetDragon. With the design concept of pursuing for happiness among the youths, the game has abandoned traditional design and rules with employment of numerous innovative and highly creative ideas and elements for the first time. Players can create their own pets in different outlooks and can experience a brand-new gaming experience and fun by manipulating their own pet with different characters, hobbies, skills, as well as little gesture or motion and verbal expressions.
Mr. Stephen Chow is pleased to cooperate with NetDragon and become the “Ambassador of Happiness” for the game. He said, “While I have dedicated all my time and efforts in the movie industry over the years, I have also kept an eye on the rapid development of internet and online gaming industries which have become increasingly popular entertainment forms among the public. This also impels me to make more attempts in different fields. Both NetDragon and I share the same belief in creativity with NetDragon’s design team constantly striving to create innovative ideas to impress game players. I believe that everyone has various ideas and wishes of happiness in mind and I am confident that Way of the Five could offer every individual a platform to display their wisdom and imagination.”
Mr. Liu Luyuan, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NetDragon said “Online gaming industry is a creative industry, in which innovative thinking is the driving force for its sustainable development. We advocate self innovation and also constantly take initiatives in exchange and cooperation with different enterprises or individuals in the creative, cultural and entertainment industries for inspiration of new ideas.”
Mr. Liu concluded “The cooperation with Mr. Stephen Chow is a brand-new attempt for us. Mr. Chow is undoubtedly a notable movie guru who earns our highest respect and praise. His immense creativity and talent has greatly affected our society and culture. By drawing upon the unique creativity of Mr. Chow in his movies, we hope to encourage creativity and promote the messages of happiness and a joyful way of life through Way of the Five.”
Way of the Five is a key online gaming product to be launched by NetDragon in 2009 and has been eagerly anticipated by the market for years. It has received a number of industry awards including the “Top Ten Most Popular Online Game for 2008” in “Tencent Online Game Award List for 2008” and the “Top 10 Most Anticipated Online Games” of Golden Plume Awards.
About NetDragon
NetDragon Websoft Inc. is one of the leading online game developers and operators in the PRC. The Group’s game portfolio comprises of a range of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) that cater to various types of players and gaming preferences. The Group has successfully developed and marketed many popular online titles of various styles. Its current offerings include the games Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Zero Online, Tou Ming Zhuang Online, Heroes of Might and Magic Online, Era of Faith, and Monster & Me. Some of the games are also available in foreign languages, including English, French and Spanish. The Group also has four games currently in development, including Way of the Five, Tian Yuan, Disney Fantasy Online and Dungeon Keeper Online, which are expected to be launched from the first quarter of 2009.
Listed on the GEM of the SEHK on 2 November 2007 (Stock code on GEM: 8288), NetDragon successfully transferred to the Main Board of the SEHK on 24 June 2008 (Stock code on Main Board: 777). For more details please visit http://www.nd.com.cn or http://www.nd.com.cn/ir .
For further information please contact:
NetDragon Websoft Inc.
Ms. Maggie Zhou (Investor Relations Department)
Tel: +86 591 87543120
Email: ir@nd.com.hk
Fax: +86 591 87541761
IR website: www.nd.com.cn/ir
