There’s really no mincing words when it comes to big announcements like closed and open beta tests, and patches and updates, so let me just get to the point with the help of an announcement story straight from the source, The9.
Open Beta Test for EA Sports FIFA Online 2 to Begin on April 22, 2009, in China
SHANGHAI—The9 Limited, a leading online game operator in China, and Electronic Arts Inc., a leading global interactive entertainment software company, has announced in a press conference held at Shanghai Pu Dong Expo Center that the highly anticipated game EA Sports FIFA Online 2 will …read more

I’ve been scouring the Internet for the past hour or so after reading a tip that NBA Street Online will be launched in China in June or July 2009. The result: iffy or really old and unreliable news items.
Here’s the tidbit I found about the impending launch of NBA Street Online:
NBA Street Online Will Launch in Mainland China This Summer
When interviewed, Chen Yongzheng, chief executive officer of NBA China revealed that an NBA MMO will launch this June or July.
The NBA MMO, dubbed NBA Street Online, will be a street basketball online game. Chinese game operator Tian You will operate …read more

Localization. I guess the Chinese, particularly online games operator and developer The9, are taking this to heart. The move, that of including a local feature and incorporating it in an imported or foreign online game, isn’t new in this crazy world where almost anything goes. In fact, the inclusion of the Chinese Football League in FIFA Online 2 has been expected.

Enough of my prattle. Just read through this announcement story that China-based online games portal 17173 put up recently:
As revealed by someone close to the company, The9 engaged the Chinese Football Super League in talks. According to the source, Zhu …read more

Old news, I know. I wrote about the upcoming open beta of FIFA Online 2 in China on March 5, 2009, and this is confirmation of The9’s commitment to establishing a niche for the game in its country.
Let’s take a closer look at the announcement courtesy of China-based online games portal 17173:
The9 Gets FIFA Online 2 Beta Version to China
The development of open beta version of FIFA Online 2 is almost finished. On March 13, 2009, a group of executives from The9 flew to Korea to confirm the final copy of the game, which they plan to bring back to …read more

After a successful open beta for FIFA Online 2 in Southeast Asia, it’s now China’s turn to feel the rush. There’s not much to go on now in terms of news, so I’ll just give you the announcement:
Electronic Arts and The9 have recently jointly announced that the Chinese open beta of EA Sports’ FIFA Online 2 will start this April.
FIFA Online 2 is the latest version of the FIFA series. The game has the official authorization of FIFA, introducing over 30 leagues, over 10,000 famous, real-life football stars, and 35 stadiums and club jerseys.
As a casual sports game newly introduced …read more