Giant, Netease Game PCU Figures Questioned

China Business News, 4/29/08

Senior Internet gaming experts are casting doubt on claims made by Giant Interactive (NYSE: GA) and Netease (Nasdaq: NTES) of record-breaking peak concurrent user (PCU) numbers of over two million, saying that operators are using special promotions which encourage users to log on with multiple accounts, but that the number of actual players is not increasing by the same amount.

A ZT Online promotion on April 26 rewarded online players with a large quantity of tradable medals which boost experience points. According to gamers, some were logging on with five or even more than ten accounts. Meanwhile Netease's Fantasy Westward Journey gave special prizes away on the 27th, with all level-10 and over players online earning experience points and gifts. One player said that some were logging on with ten or thirty accounts.

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