SHANGHAI, China, Oct. 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shanda Games Limited ("Shanda Games" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:GAME), a leading online game developer, operator and publisher in China, announced that Xia Online, a turn-based strategy web game, will start closed beta testing today, and that Luvinia Online, a recently acquired 3D MMORPG, will release a new expansion pack in November 2009.
Luvinia Online is a 3D fantasy MMORPG developed by Chengdu Simo Technology ("Simo Technology"), a game studio which Shanda Games acquired through its 18 Capital in July 2009. The game applies a cartoon style, role-playing game set to a romantic story line. The new expansion pack will be the first large scale expansion pack to be released after Luvinia Online was integrated into Shanda Games' platform in August 2009.
Xia Online is a 2D turn-based strategy web game also developed by Simo Technology. Set in a traditional Chinese Kung-Fu story line, Xia Online absorbs the essence of the Chinese chivalry spirit and leads its players through mysterious underground adventures and fortress warfare. It is also the first turn-based web game on Shanda Games' platform.
"The release of Luvinia Online and Xia Online further validates Shanda Games' ability to identify through 18 Capital acquisition, leading online game content in China," said Diana Li, Chief Executive Officer of Shanda Games. "The recent progresses shortly after Simo Technology's acquisition also demonstrated our efficient and smooth integration of new contents. With 18 Capital becoming an important channel to invest and acquire online game intellectual properties, Shanda Games will continue to invest in the industry to enrich its content portfolio and expand its operation platform."
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this announcement that are not historical facts, including but not limited to the statements regarding the beta testing date of Xia Online, the release date of Luvinia Online's expansion pack, the future performance of Xia Online and Luvinia Online, and the Company's plan to further invest in online industry represent only the Company's current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from expectations include but are not limited to the risk that the release date of Xia Online and Luvinia Online's expansion pack is delayed, these games are not well received by players, the investments through 18 Capital do not produce the intended results and the risks set forth in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
About Shanda Games
Shanda Games Limited (Nasdaq:GAME) is a leading online game developer, operator and publisher in China. Shanda Games offers a diversified game portfolio, which includes some of the most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and advanced casual games in China, targeting a large and diverse community of users. Shanda Games manages and operates online games that are developed in-house, co-developed with world-leading game developers, acquired through investments or licensed from third parties.