The9 Ltd said yesterday that the user base of its World of Warcraft online computer game had passed 1 million in the Chinese mainland and continued to contribute income to the Shanghai-based company.

WoW, one of the world's most popular multiplayer online role-playing games, has been operated by The9 in the Chinese mainland since its launch in June 2005.

The company said yesterday it planned to launch an online version of soccer game FIFA and online dance game Audition 2. FIFA Online 2, which will include local team Shanghai Shenhua, will help The9 reduce dependence on WoW, said Zhu Jun, The9's chairman and founder.

WoW, which charges players for game time, contributes more than 90 percent revenue to The9 at present.

FIFA Online 2 won't charge users directly but players will pay for customized game items. The9 is to work with EA to localize the game in China, according to Zhu, who is also boss of Shanghai Shenhua.

In 2007, China's online game revenue was 12.8 billion yuan (US$1.82 billion), growing 67 percent annually. The9 ranked No. 4 with a market share of 11.5 percent, following Shanda's 24 percent, NetEase's 18.7 percent and Giant's 15.5 percent, according to iResearch, a Shanghai-based IT consulting firm.

(Shanghai Daily April 15, 2008)