ArenaNet Press Releases
Guild Wars World Preview Event a Huge Success
More than 400,000 people play in free global event;
Beta period kicks off with first Beta Weekend Event starting Saturday
BELLEVUE, Wash., November 4, 2004 — The results are in and they show that hundreds of thousands of people played Guild Wars® last weekend during ArenaNet® and NCsoft's® free World Preview Event. More than 400,000 people representing more than 140 countries participated in the event, which took place October 28 through 31.
"The World Preview Event was a great opportunity for people to try out Guild Wars," said Jeff Strain, Guild Wars producer and ArenaNet co-founder. "We were pleased that so many took advantage of this unique opportunity. If Guild Wars was available for purchase, last weekend's subscriber numbers would have ranked the game as one of the top three online role playing games operating in North America."
This weekend, ArenaNet will roll out another chance to play the game during the first of several Beta Weekend Events. These exclusive events will take place on the first weekend of each month and will be open only to players who purchase the Guild Wars preorder box or obtain access to single events through ArenaNet's programs with leading game magazines and websites, iGames game centers or select retailers.
In addition, the December issue of Computer Games Magazine features a cover story on Guild Wars and an invitation for readers to join a Beta Weekend Event. GameSpot, which features several articles on the Guild Wars professions, will offer its readers an invitation to the November Beta Weekend Event.
Each Beta Weekend Event will feature new content and offer exciting new challenges in the Guild Wars world. This weekend's event begins on Saturday at 12:01 a.m. PST.
Purchasing the preorder box for Guild Wars guarantees participation in each exclusive Beta Weekend Event. The preorder boxes are currently available at most computer game retailers in North America. In addition to access into the Beta Weekend Events, the box provides an exclusive in-game item available at launch, a Guild Wars poster, a Guild Wars music CD and several other items.
More information about Guild Wars, the Beta Weekend Events and where to purchase the preorder box can be found at www.guildwars.com. ArenaNet and NCsoft plan to release Guild Wars at the conclusion of the beta period, which they anticipate will be in early 2005.
About ArenaNet
ArenaNet, located in Bellevue, Washington, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NCsoft® Corporation. ArenaNet has built a state-of-the-art, interactive game network and develops premier multiplayer online games for dedicated game players. ArenaNet's first title, Guild Wars, is a global online roleplaying game that allows gamers to play with anyone, anytime and anywhere in the world. The novel business model, which requires no subscription fees and emphasizes instant action rather than time spent playing, has undoubtedly contributed to the huge commercial success of Guild Wars. More information about ArenaNet can be found at www.arena.net.
About NCsoft Corporation
Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, NCsoft Corporation is the world's leading developer and publisher of online games. Founded in 1997, NCsoft is home to Lineage®, the world's most successful online role playing game. NCsoft has joint venture offices located in Japan, Taiwan, and China, as well as branches in North America and the United Kingdom. In fiscal year 2004, NCsoft posted revenues of KRW (Korean Won) 246 billion or approximately US$246 million. More information about NCsoft can be found at http://www.ncsoft.net
NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo, Guild Wars, ArenaNet, Lineage, and all associated NCsoft logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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