It may be over and done with, but the China Game Industry Annual Conference, held on December 16 at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, has opened the doors to the world for the country’s video games industry. This year’s theme: Scientific Development, Creative Culture and Service Improvement.
Of course, what’s a conference without awarding recognition to the best in the industry. Here’s a list of some of the winners and their company profiles:
Shanda Entertainment
Shanda is a leading interactive entertainment media company in China and offers a variety of Internet-based entertainment services, such as massively multiplayer online role-playing games, casual …read more

Yes, you read that right. After almost half a year of waiting, online games fanatics will finally get the chance to play the most anticipated massively multiplayer online role-playing game in China—Chinese Paladin Online.
Here’s the lowdown from (drum roll, please) online games portal 17173:
Chinese online games developer 9you announced in Shanghai on December 12 that Chinese Paladin Online will enter closed beta test. The data of player accounts during the test will be preserved.
9you will give out 20,000 beta keys to applicants before the test. Since the game is planned to be free to play, profit from CD key selling, …read more

Expect good things from 9you in the coming months as world famous artist Masago Kimiya takes over the graphics development in two new massively multiplayer online games.
Here’s the announcement story from China-based online games portal 17173:
Chinese online games developer and operator 9you has announced that world-renowned cartoon artist Masago Kimiya has joined the company. Kimiya will be the lead artist and art director for 9you’s two new massively multiplayer online games.
As a famous Japanese illustration artist, Masago Kimiya has presented the world with many artworks. He is also well known for his rich knowledge of Chinese culture. In the video …read more

It’s been a year since news about 9you’s acquisition of rights to operate SD Gundam Online from Korea-based Bandai and Softmax hit the headlines. A few days ago, SD Gundam Online finally entered the closed beta phase.
I don’t have the complete details yet. So sit tight while I get the lowdown on this new massively multiplayer online first-person shooter.
Meantime, take a gander at this SD Gundam Online video I found:

Whew! What a year! Indeed, it’s been one hell of a ride for me and, hopefully, for MMOtaku’s loyal followers. What started out as a mote of light in fellow b5media Technology Channel blogger Jayvee Fernandez’s brilliant mind is now a good—not yet great (that has yet to come)—source of news for massively multiplayer online games in Asia and those made in Asia.
First off, I’d like to thank MMOtaku’s avid readers, those who visit the blog every day, those who come and go for a dose of MMORPG news, reviews and what-have-yous, and those who have dropped in just to …read more

That’s probably the problem with the online games development industry in China, the penchant for coming out with titles that are somewhat similar—or even complete ripoffs—to those being churned out by competitors. Obviously, online racing games have not been spared.
First there was Drift City, a Korean-developed game published in North America by NHN Corporation that I found quite amusing as I experienced the fusion of two favorite video game genres—MMORPG and Racing. Yes, I called it a ripoff, but I also said I wasn’t one to complain about it.
And then there were Run Online, an online 3D racing game from …read more

The headline says it all. But what’s more important than the news that the Shanghai online games industry is raking in the big bucks? It’s how they did it—by encouraging the development of musical, dancing and sports games. So violence is out and cutsey-patootsey is in? Let’s check out the official announcement of the Shanghai news and publications office based on an interview with China-based online games portal 17173:
Li Xinli, deputy director general of the Shanghai news and publications office, told the press that Shanghai had over 50 online game companies, including some famous ones like Shanda and 9you. There …read more

As the title implies, China-based online games developer and publisher 9you has finally put an end to the rumor that the dancing game Audition will be shut down on October 31, 2008.
Here’s the gist of 9you’s announcement courtesy of our friends at online games portal 17173:
Recently, there have been rumors saying that Audition would suspend operation on October 31, 2008. Concerning the situation, 9you, the operator of Audition, published an announcement claiming that it will never suspend the operation of Audition earlier than the date specified in its license from Yedang Online and T3Entertainment.
It also warned players against believing any …read more

Well, it’s a rough estimate, since Chinese Paladin Online is still in the final stages of development, according to online games developer/publisher 9you of China. What’s sure, however, is that 9you is tweaking the game’s mechanics to give players balanced gameplay.
What’s Chinese Paladin Online? Here’s a video, check it out:

There’s more good news from 9you. In a very brief interview with China-based video games portal 17173, 9you vice president Tao Ying revealed that they are developing five new MMOs: SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online, Crazy Speed, 9you GT, Street Live, and Concerto Gate II.

Hong Kong’s streets will soon sizzle with burnt rubber as 9you and Gameone announce the impending launch of online racing game Ray City in the former British colony.
For the benefit of those in the dark about Ray City, it’s touted as the first ever 3D MMO Driving Game in the world. Don’t ask me about the difference between an MMO Driving Game and an MMO Racing Game. I’m still trying to find out. Developed by J2M, Ray City features two play modes: mission and racing.
What differentiates Ray City from other online racing games is the setting. The game uses full …read more