EVE Online Launches in Japan March 28th
CCP and Nexon Bring Groundbreaking Sci-Fi MMO to
World's Fourth-Largest Online Games Market
Reykjavik, Iceland— March 1— CCP Games and Nexon Co., Ltd. (3659:Tokyo), announced today that they will launch the much-anticipated localized Japanese version of CCP's massively multiplayer science-fiction game, EVE Online, on March 28 (March 29, Tokyo time).
Japanese players will now be able to access EVE Online in their native language, playing alongside hundreds of thousands of fellow gamers from around the world who share the single-shard EVE Online universe hosted on CCP's Tranquility server. CCP will continue development of the game itself and handle gameplay related customer support, while Nexon will manage all billing needs, along with local marketing and PR services to drive player growth within the region.
CCP's announcement with Nexon continues a steady drumbeat of international expansion. CCP announced last week a partnership with online game operator TianCity to distribute EVE Online in mainland China. EVE Online also supports play in English, Russian and German.
With more than 400,000 global subscribers, EVE is the only MMO to have grown every year in the past eight years since its launch. The worldwide success of EVE Online has driven CCP's rapid growth, with offices in Reykjavik, Shanghai, Atlanta, and Newcastle, UK, and two new games in development, DUST 514 and World of Darkness.
"For years we've looked forward to the day when we could bring a fully Japanese EVE experience to our loyal and enthusiastic audience in Japan," said Hilmar Pétursson, CEO, CCP. "Thanks to our partnership with Nexon, that day is about to arrive. Nexon's solid reputation and enormous reach in the region makes them the ideal partner for our Japanese launch."
"With EVE Online, CCP has created a gaming experience like no other,” said Seung-Woo Choi, CEO of Nexon. “We're confident that the Japanese version will attract legions of new players ready to take their part in the endlessly unfolding drama of the EVE universe."
In partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment, CCP’s revolutionary persistent shooter, DUST 514, is scheduled to launch in summer 2012. It will be the first-ever video game to link, in real time, first-person-shooter players on a console with a persistent, multiplayer game on the PC, EVE Online.
About Nexon
The Nexon Corporation was founded in Korea in 1994 but later moved its headquarters to Japan. Since Nexon was established it has produced, developed and published a broad spectrum of quality games ranging from online games to mobile and social games. Nexon's large portfolio, represented by hit games such as Maple Story, Arad Senki, Counter-strike Online, Mabinogi and Sudden Attack, is constantly moving into new genres thereby appealing to various types of players and quickly reaching new potential audiences around the world. At present, Nexon Co.,Ltd. publishes over 50 titles and services games in over 100 countries and territories, mainly in Asia, North America, South America and Europe. More information can be found at www.company.nexon.co.jp.
About CCP
CCP is recognized for the creation of revolutionary gaming experiences designed with a unique combination of stunning artistry and advanced technology. Best known as the independent developer and publisher of EVE Online, the critically-acclaimed, space-based massively multiplayer online game (MMO) and PC Gamer's 2009 'MMO of the Year', two additional titles are now in production: World of Darkness, a dark, immersive MMO based on the legendary roleplaying franchise of the same name; and DUST 514, the groundbreaking massively multiplayer online first-person shooter (MMOFPS) set in and linked to the EVE Online universe. Founded in Iceland in 1997, CCP is privately held and has offices in Atlanta, Newcastle, Reykjavik and Shanghai with a datacenter in London. More information can be found at www.ccpgames.com.
About EVE Online
EVE Online is a captivating, open-ended gaming experience in which hundreds of thousands of players compete within the same virtual cosmic universe for riches, power, glory and adventure. EVE players can create and live out their most virtuous or sinister dreams, piloting starships through a futuristic galaxy featuring a sophisticated player-run economy and thousands of solar systems rife with treasures to be discovered. With professions ranging from commodities trader to mercenary, industrial entrepreneur to pirate, mining engineer to battle fleet commander and more, EVE players have access to a diverse array of tools and interfaces to forge their own exhilarating path. Learn more and sign up for a free trial at www.eveonline.com.
Media contacts:
Ned Coker
CCP Games
nedcoker@ccpgames.com
Shahirah Isahak
For CCP Games
eveonline@lewispr.com
415-992-4400