New Disney MMORPG

[aeryn]

So, my google news search found this interesting article this morning:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/NetDragon-Disney-Launch-First-MMORPG/story.aspx?guid={BA2221AD-7A96-4D71-98E6-3F68208B6B6C}

PRESS RELEASE
NetDragon and Disney to Launch First MMORPG 'Disney Fantasy Online'





Last update: 4:10 a.m. EST Dec. 2, 2008


HONG KONG, Dec 02, 2008 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- NetDragon Websoft Inc. ("NetDragon" or the "Company", and its subsidiaries collectively called the "Group"; Stock Code: 777), one of the leading online game developers and operators in China, together with The Walt Disney Company's Interactive Media Group today announced their first Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) "Disney Fantasy Online" will be launched in Spring 2009. This fun and dynamic game is set to be the most highly anticipated game for the season.
Gamers of "Disney Fantasy Online" are immersed in a uniquely Disney-themed central world, created based on themes of magic, adventure and romance with non-playing Disney character hosts such as Mickey and Friends, preparing and training the gamers for the vast adventures that lie ahead. As gamers explore, complete quests, and level-up, they have the opportunity to acquire virtual items to personalize the gaming experience and enable them to explore additional worlds more extensively. Expansion packs with new adventures and maps will be constantly added to the game, providing endless opportunities for gamers to uncover new content and secrets.
"Disney is committed to providing gamers in China with the ultimate digital entertainment destination. Our characters and stories endure across generations, platforms and now immersive online experiences," said Mr. Stanley Cheung, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Walt Disney Greater China. "We are very pleased to be cooperating with NetDragon, to create a unique, fun, and brand-new entertainment experience for gamers".
Key game features include:
-- Gamers will explore vast fantastic lands, and can show off their skills
in turn-based battle mode
-- Fully customizable player avatars, premium accessories, and other in-
game items
-- Players will be able to "raise" Disney-themed companions or "Pets"
throughout the game. Companions can be won, purchased, and/or
discovered and will have various attributes that enhance the gaming
experience. Companions are expected to be nurtured and will grow and
mature through game play
-- Players can build their virtual castles within the game world, which
will act as the player's virtual personal space. These virtual castles
can be upgraded, assembled, traded, and shared
-- Leveling-up, team-play, raising companions, and building virtual
castles provide endless gameplay and community activities


NetDragon, renowned for its leadership in online gaming development and operating experience, is responsible for developing "Disney Fantasy Online". The Game consists of many virtual worlds based on some of Disney's most famous stories, providing an exciting environment for endless adventure.
Mr. Liu Luyuan, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of NetDragon said, "We have 9 years of rich experience in online game development, and operations in multiple international markets. Creating and sharing great entertainment experiences are common objectives of NetDragon and Disney. I'm very excited about being able to work with Disney's rich content to develop this exciting game".
"We assigned the best creative and production teams to this project and the end result is the creation of a totally unique gaming experience around unique stories that will delight gamers," said Mr. Liu Luyuan.
About NetDragon
NetDragon Websoft Inc. is one of the leading online game developers and operators in the PRC. The Group's game portfolio comprises of a range of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) that cater to various types of players and gaming preferences. The Group has successfully developed and marketed many popular online titles of various styles. Its current offerings include the games Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Zero Online, Tou Ming Zhuang Online, Heroes of Might and Magic Online, Era of Faith, and Monster & Me. Some of the games are also available in foreign languages, including English, French and Spanish. The Group also has three games currently in development, including Way of the Five, Tian Yuan, Disney Fantasy Online and Dungeon Keeper Online, which are expected to be launched from the first quarter of 2009.
Listed on the GEM of the SEHK on 2 November 2007 (Stock code on GEM: 8288), NetDragon successfully transferred to the Main Board of the SEHK on 24 June 2008 (Stock code on Main Board: 777). For more details please visit http://www.nd.com.cn or http://www.nd.com.cn/ir .
About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with four business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment and consumer products. Disney is a Dow 30 company with annual revenues of over $37 billion in its most recent fiscal year.
For further information please contact:

NetDragon Websoft Inc.
Ms. Angelina Li (Investor Relations Officer)
Tel: +852-2850-8755
Fax: +852-2850-7066
Email: ir@nd.com.hk
IR website: http://www.nd.com.cn/ir

Porda International (Finance) P.R. Co., Ltd.
Helen Chung / Sharis Siu / Kate Lam / Liz Yip
Tel: +852-3150-6730 / 3150-6771 / 3150-6738 / 3150-6739
Fax: +852-3150-6728
Email: helen.chung@pordafinance.com.hk / sharis.siu@pordafinance.com.hk /
kate.lam@pordafinance.com.hk / liz.yip@pordafinance.com.hk

SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Inc.
http://www.nd.com.cn

Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

I am wondering if it will be China only or available to the rest of the world as well...
Should be interesting to keep an eye on.

 

[Aimbier31]

looks cool and i would definitely play it does it say if it's pay to play if not if i can figure out how to read chinese i will play it in chinese lol

 

[VMK_MagicalLadee]

If I can read it I'll try it.

 

[IliketheTitanic]

Sounds like a World of Warcraft/The Sims/VMK game to me, might be interesting.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

Oh I really hope its in English too o_o Keep posting information on it to update that please

 

[Ravensdark99]

So ultimately they outsource their programming to china for this ^^?

So if they go broke we´ll have the VMK disaster all over again ^^

 

[foodlover_US]

Disney MMORPG game!!! That will be so much fun. Is it free or need a game card to access...

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

Wait- so why would Disney even be involved with this game with a Chinese gaming company? Im guessing its just for advertisement over there, but I doubt that they would only have it in Chinese. They would probably (hopefully) have it for advertisement over here as well, kind of like vmk was. I would hope they would at least try to replace it.

 

[Walt Disney World]

I don't really think I'd play that game. One major reason would be that I cannot speak Japanise...

 

[Kasiks]

I don't really think I'd play that game. One major reason would be that I cannot speak Japanise...

In china, you speak Chinese.

I played a lot of mmorpgs that were firstly created in China (chinese) and then reworked and translated in other languages (mainly English)

What I wonder if it is going to be F2P with a cash shop or P2P.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

My friend told me they also have a disney game that recently came out in Japan. If that's true, then do you think all they are doing is making games for the countries with Disney parks in it? If so, France is next.

 

[Fozzie`]

I believe it's China only.

 

[JessR]

 

[Disney Dreams]

Hi all,

Hope everyone is doing well.

Sadly, another article I read that discussed this MMORPG included the following paragraph:
"According to the release, the title—which is likely to be for the Chinese market only—is to “immerse users in a uniquely Disney-themed world,” with players able to explore, complete quests and level up—all the usual MMORPG stuff, really—and interact with non-playable characters such as Mickey Mouse."

(I bolded the part that caught my attention.)

- Dreams

 

[Imagineer_Tech]

Hi all,

Hope everyone is doing well.

Sadly, another article I read that discussed this MMORPG included the following paragraph:
"According to the release, the title—which is likely to be for the Chinese market only—is to “immerse users in a uniquely Disney-themed world,” with players able to explore, complete quests and level up—all the usual MMORPG stuff, really—and interact with non-playable characters such as Mickey Mouse."

(I bolded the part that caught my attention.)

- Dreams

That sounds frighteningly close to VMK.

 

[Shir Kahn]

That's too bad, I'd probably play it if it came over here. DW would too I'm sure.

 

[IliketheTitanic]

Look's kinda Kingdom Heartish,

http://dsn.91.com/#

https://reg.91.com/Wreg/Register3.aspx?url=http://dsn.91.com&flag=dsn

 

[Ravensdark99]

Damn I knew that Kanji learning would finally pay off ^^

 

[letthewookiewin]

I wish they would bring this to the US. Heck it could be the thing to get me to play less World of Warcraft.

 

[Babypandaroo]

Disney won't make it for us usa players. They want us to suffer. They closed vmk down because it was a free game and it wasn't earning them any money. That's why they closed it. All our protests and emails and petitions have fallen on Disney's deaf ears. THEY DON'T CARE. All they care about is money right now. that's the bottom line for them. They won't put out another vmk like game in a million years.