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 begin its open beta test in mainland China on April 22, 2009.

FIFA Online 2 is the latest online version of EA Sports’ officially licensed FIFA football video games. Built upon over a decade of success from the EA Sports FIFA video game franchise, EA Sports FIFA Online 2 features 30 licensed leagues, over 10,000 real players, 31 stadiums, and authentic team kits. The game has enhanced player controls so that gamers can direct each of their in-game team’s players to perform real football moves. EA Sports FIFA Online 2 also highly focuses on player interactivity. Gamers can set up matches, track each others’ scores, chat in the game, and enjoy other community functions. EA Sports FIFA Online 2 brings the ultimate online football gaming experience that mirrors the sophistication, finesse and beauty of the real-world sport.

“EA Sports FIFA Online 2 epitomizes a global sports game. During the closed beta test in China, it has received not only extremely positive feedback from game players but has also generated awareness and anticipation among football fans. The9 has been working actively with EA to add features that are tailor-made for local players and to prepare for all aspects of the game’s operation in the Chinese market. From April 22, gamers and football fans will enjoy the excitement about this brand new online sports game,” said Xiaowei Chen, president of The9.

For more information about the game in China, visit the official FIFA Online 2 website.

Post from: MMOtaku

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 China in a new few days.

The two parties, The9 and (presumably) EA Sports, have discussed several issues including optimizing the online gaming experience of Chinese gamers.

Post from: MMOtaku

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 into the Chinese market, FIFA Online 2 has stunning graphics and motion, realistic interaction, unique role-playing game elements, and a huge fan base. It’s believed that the game will bring a deep gaming experience to Chinese players.

Wondering about the action? Check out this video:

Post from: MMOtaku

The open beta of EA Sports’ FIFA Online 2 in the Southeast Asian Region is actually nearer than you think. If you’re not keeping tabs on developments in this Infocomm Asia Holdings-licensed online sports game, then you probably don’t know that the closed beta period ended on October 23 and that open beta is slated for launch on December 5.

More good news for closed beta test players: You don’t have to register again! Those who didn’t participate in the closed beta, like yours truly, will have to register for the open beta test.

Already have the closed beta client? No problem. Once open beta goes live, the client will be auto-patched to the latest version. Can’t wait? Well, you can download the open beta client as soon as it become available on the FIFA Online 2 site.

The closed beta client is still available for download, though. Here’s a list of mirror sites where you can download it: FilePlanet, AtomicGamer, Internode, FileFront, MMOsite, Gamershell, CGE Network, and GX League.

Here’s a little note from IAHGames, operator of FIFA Online 2 in Southeast Asia, for those who want to participate in the open beta:

Once the open beta test goes live on December 5, at 2 p.m. (GMT+8), players simply need to log-in with their IAHGames Passport Account that they registered with, launch the client they downloaded, and play.

Do note that the IAHGames Passport Account you registered with is a permanent account which you will use for the entire span of the game.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. There’s good news for FIFA Online 2 fans in China as well. The9 reports that the open beta for the game in China is also set for launch this December. Get the scoop from online games portal 17173.

Image downloaded from the site of FIFA Online 2, developed by EA Sports and operated in Southeast Asia by IAHGames. Image has been modified by Joel to fit the template of MMOtaku.

Post from: MMOtaku