ArenaNet Press Releases
NCsoft Acquires ArenaNet
SEOUL, South Korea - Dec. 11, 2002 — NCsoftTM Corporation, the world's largest online game company, today announced the acquisition of ArenaNet, a Seattle-based game development studio with a creative pedigree that has connections to some of the most successful computer games ever developed. The announcement was made during the opening day of the Korea Amuse World Game Expo 2002 (KAMEX) taking place in Seoul, South Korea.
ArenaNet was established in 2000 by three key members of the Blizzard Entertainment Development team. The founders were involved in leadership roles in the creation of the Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo game series, and were responsible for the creation of the Battle.net gaming network. ArenaNet's mission is to create a state-of-the-art, interactive game network and to design and publish premier multiplayer online games for dedicated game players.
"We are pleased to announce the newest member of our NCsoft family," said Tack Jin Kim, president and CEO of NCsoft Corp. "The people at ArenaNet have an established track record in this industry of creating some of the most innovative and successful game titles ever. We're very excited to bring this gifted and talented team to NCsoft. They will make an already strong online product lineup even stronger."
"We are excited to become part of NCsoft," said Patrick Wyatt, who co-founded ArenaNet with Mike O'Brien and Jeff Strain. "We are confident that our development strengths will greatly contribute to NCsoft's continuing worldwide leadership in the online game market."
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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