If the list of Top 15 Most Expected Online Games in China is to be believed, the popularity of South Korean-made Ragnarok Online 2: Gate of the World is starting to flounder.

Is it because of its delayed release? Last year, the online gaming markets in several Asian countries were abuzz with news about the release of Ragnarok Online 2 that had been originally slated for December 2007 (at least in the Philippines).

Closing the gates to the refurbished Rune Midgard in the ancient land of China are three upstarts, namely Dungeon and Warrior, SGC Online, and Fun Online. Ragnarok Online 2, or RO2, has been knocked down in the rankings from 9th place to 12th place.

Here’s this week’s Top 15 Most Expected Online Games in China:

1. Chinese Paladin Online, developed by Softstar and operated by 9you

2. Jian Wang 3, developed and operated by Kingsoft

3. Cang Tian Online, developed by Wemade and operated by Shanda

4. Wushuang Online, developed by Koei and operated by Tianxi

5. Cibi, developed and operated by Perfect Space

6. Fantasy Journey Online, developed by Lingo Soft and operated by 9you

7. Dragonball Online, developed by Ntl-inc

8. Aion, developed by NCsoft and operated by Shanda

9. Dungeon and Warrior, developed by NEOPLE and operated by NHN

10. SGC Online, developed and operated by Gamlaxy International

11. Fun Online, developed by Tqdigital and operated by Netdragon

12. Ragnarok Online 2, developed by Gravity and operated by 9th City

13. Gear War Online, developed by CYKAN and operated by DDTONG

14. Cross Fire, developed by SmileGate and operated by Tencent

15. Kingdom of Warriors, developed by Webzen and operated by Ourgame

Post from: MMOtaku

In a recently released statement, Tan jun, chief executive officer of Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd., said the company would operate 20 online games in 2008.

Here’s a quick rundown of Shanda’s plan:

Shanda Interactive has announced plans to operate over 20 online games next year right after bagging the license to operate upcoming 3D MMORPG Dragon Nest, which is being developed by Korea’s Eyedentity Games Inc. Shanda also plans to bring in and operate over 50 online games between 2008 and 2010.

At the earlier Q3 conference call, Shanda president Chen Tianqiao made it clear that the company would focus on four key points for online gaming operator success: licensing, self-development, investment, and co-development.

With licenses to at least four MMORPGs—Cang Tian, Aion, Dragon Nest, and Freejack—in its belt, and the development of games such as Disney Magicboard Online and Over the World waiting in its wings, Shanda seems poised to dominate China’s online gaming market.

Post from: MMOtaku

1. Chinese Paladin Online, developed by Softstar and operated by 9you

2. Jian Wang 3, developed and operated by Kingsoft

3. Dragonball Online, developed by Ntl-inc

4. Cang Tian Online, developed by Wemade and operated by Shanda

5. Aion, developed by NCsoft and operated by Shanda

6. Wushuang Online, developed by Koei Games and operated by Tianxi

7. Fantasy Journey Online, developed by Lingo Soft and operated by 9you

8. Ragnarok Online II, developed by Gravity and operated by 9th City

9. Gear War Online, developed by CYKAN and operated by DDTONG

10. Kingdom of Warriors, developed by Webzen

How about you? What online games are you waiting for?

Post from: MMOtaku