The9 Ltd. () is a Shanghai-based

online game An online game is a video game that is either partially or primarily played through the Internet or any other computer network available. Online games are ubiquitous on modern gaming platforms, including PC game, PCs, Console game, consoles and ...

operator which had the exclusive licence to operate and distribute

World of Warcraft ''World of Warcraft'' (''WoW'') is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) released in 2004 by Blizzard Entertainment. Set in the ''Warcraft'' fantasy universe, ''World of Warcraft'' takes place within the world of Azeroth ...

in China (launched in June 2005, it has since become the largest online game), a licence it secured after successfully aiding

Webzen Games Webzen is a South Korean developer and publisher of video games. The company, together with its subsidiaries, also engages in software licensing and related services all over the world. History Webzen merged with NHN Games, which was dissolved wi ...

with the distribution of ''

Mu Online ''MU Online'' ( ko, 뮤 온라인) is an Isometric medieval fantasy MMORPG, produced by Webzen Webzen is a South Korean developer and publisher of video games. The company, together with its subsidiaries, also engages in software licensing and ...

'' in China. However, in April 2009, Blizzard said that the licence has been moved to NetEase.com.

Current game licences acquired

Note: In rough order of release. *

(the partnership has ended) *

(the partnership has ended) * Joyful Journey West *

Guild Wars ''Guild Wars'' is an online role-playing game franchise developed by ArenaNet and published by NCSOFT. The games were critically well received and won many editor's choice awards, as well as awards such as Best Value, Best Massively Multiplaye ...

(Chinese version) (The deal with NCsoft ended prematurely.31 March 2008) *

Soul of the Ultimate Nation ''Soul of the Ultimate Nation'' (often abbreviated as ''S.U.N.'') was a fantasy-based MMORPG, massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) produced by Webzen, a Korean-based company. It was operated in South Korea by Webzen and in mainl ...

Granado Espada ''Granado Espada'' is a Korean fantasy MMORPG developed by IMC Games Co.,Ltd. Originally released in South Korea in February 2006, the English localizations were launched in the summer of 2007 in North America and Southeast Asia. ''Granado Espad ...

* Hellgate: London * Huxley * Ragnarok Online 2 *

FIFA Online 2 ''FIFA Online'' is a series of online sports games developed by Electronic Arts (EA) based on EA's '' FIFA'' series of games. It is released with a free-to-play model with a focus on the Asian video game market. The first entry in the series was ...

Atlantica Online ''Atlantica Online'' is a free-to-play (F2P) 3D tactical massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by NDOORS Corporation. The game is currently published bValofe The game's primary setting is a fantasy-themed alternate h ...

Free Realms ''Free Realms'' was a massively multiplayer online game, massively multiplayer online (MMO) role-playing video game, role playing video game developed by Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) for Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, Mac and PlayStation 3 tha ...

PlanetSide 2 ''PlanetSide 2'' is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online first-person shooter developed by Rogue Planet Games and published by Daybreak Game Company. The game supports battles with thousands of players (up to 2,000 on a single map) and inc ...

Firefall Firefall is an American country rock band that formed in Boulder, Colorado, in 1974. It was founded by Rick Roberts, former member of the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Jock Bartley, who had been Tommy Bolin's replacement in Zephyr. The band ...

* Winning Goal

References

*Volume 1, Issue 49 of '' The Escapist'', "Red Blindness" by Allen Varney

External links

The9 Official Website

The9 Official Website
Companies based in Shanghai Video game companies of China Companies listed on the Nasdaq Internet properties established in 1999 Chinese companies established in 1999 {{Asia-videogame-company-stub