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SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2006--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced it has reached an agreement with Korean operator NOWCOM to license Tales Runner™ for distribution in Mainland China through its publisher and operator, Guangdong Tian Yue Network Technology Development Co., Ltd,. In addition to Pogo™, announced earlier this year, Tales Runner will be the first multiplayer advanced casual game to be distributed in China through EA's collaboration with Tian Yue.
Developed by Korean company, Rhaon Entertainment, Tales Runner is a 3-Dimensional online racing game with a "dreamy island" background. The game provides a perfect combination of fairytales drawn by professional illustrators and multiple modes of racing. Tales Runner has gained a solid reputation following its release in Korea, Japan and Taiwan.
Featuring real racing gameplay, the game challenges gamers to win the first prize on foot. In addition to running, players have to overcome obstacles including: cross the river, ski slopes, or climb rocks. Points are given for overcoming disadvantages and for speed. The avatars' choices include Chinese girl Mingming, Korean boy Chowon, French dancer Lina and Brazilian youngster Big Bo all of who are able to be dressed according to a players own wishes. Based upon an array of world-famous fairy tales, the game recreates fairy scenes such as The Frog Prince, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Octopus Daddy. By a mix of different maps and modes including speed racing mode, survival mode for 30 players and relay race, even a new gamer will find fun in Tales Runner. The various tools in multi-player mode enable gamers to play tricks on their competitors or even change their role.
"We are pleased to bring to China the popular Tales Runner," said Mr. Erick Hachenburg, Senior Vice President of Global Online Publishing & Managing Director of EA China. "By strengthening our online games product lineup with EA branded games and third party games EA demonstrates its committed to bringing Chinese gamers more varieties of gaming experiences that appeal to worldwide audiences. We recognized that Chinese and Korean cultures have a lot in common and by launching intricately designed games imbued with an Eastern essence like Tales Runner, we can demonstrate our commitment to the Asia online games market."
Mr. Moon Yong-Sik, CEO of NOWCOM also expressed confidence in the future for Tales Runner in China. "I am very glad that NOWCOM has entered into this collaboration with EA, the world's leading interactive entertainment software company and EA's operator and publisher Tian Yue. We hope that Tales Runner will bring Chinese gamers a different experience."
With a 3D fairytale background, Tales Runner delivers a real fantasy to young users with the familiar feeling of fairytales, and gives adult users nostalgia for their childhood.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS BIG™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
About Guangdong Tian Yue
Guangdong Tian Yue Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. is a professional service provider in internet information and computer development. With registered capital of RMB10 million, the company now has a dedicated management team with a wealth of experience in gaming and internet services. Tian Yue is building an industry-leading online games operation and has established a website providing gaming information and services. For more information, please visit: www.skyhi.com.cn.
About NOWCOM
NOWCOM was established in 1992 and used to run NOWNURI, one of the four biggest PC communication services in Korea. NOWCOM is currently running PDBOX, the biggest entertainment portal in Korea, CLUBBOX, mass storage for community and Afreeca, the personal broadcasting media. NOWCOM has an ambitious goal to become a leading company based on world-class digital media delivery service and solution provider.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Tales Runner is a trademark or registered trademark of Rhaon Entertainment Co. Ltd. in the Republic of KOREA and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: For Electronic Arts
Trudy Muller, 650-628-7323
tmuller@ea.com
or
For EA, The Consultancy Ltd
Emma Smith, (852) 3114 6336
esmith@consultancy-pr.com.hk
SOURCE: Electronic Arts
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