Localized Version of Lich King Ready, Awaiting Approval
17173.com, 4/17/09
Chinese online game developer and operator Netease (Nasdaq: NTES) has announced that the company has been in contact with relevant government departments regarding obtaining publishing approval for "Wrath of the Lich King", the second expansion pack for Blizzard's MMORPG World of Warcraft (WoW). No firm date could be provided for when approval would be given, however Netease stated that a Chinese localized version of the game had already been prepared by Blizzard.
Li Riqiang, head of Netease's WoW project stated that the company would purchase completely new hardware to operate the game, and refuted rumors that the company had offered to purchase servers from WoW's current operator, The9 (Nasdaq: NCTY). Li also emphasized that Netease and Blizzard's joint venture would not operate the game but rather would be responsible for localization and developing anti-cheating technology. The game would be operated entirely by Netease's existing online game department.
Editor's Note: Netease was recently awarded the mainland China operating rights to WoW, which is currently operated by The9.
Keywords: Blizzard expansion pack Internet Li Riqiang MMORPG NCTY Netease NTES operating rights The9 WoW Wrath of the Lich King online gaming
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