Sony Online Entertainment Introduces Kung Fu Hustle

Sony Online Entertainment Introduces Kung Fu Hustle

May 10, 2007

Taipei-Based SOGA Studio and Shanghai Northstar Join Forces
to Develop Original Title Based on Stephen Chow's Hit Film
for Chinese Market

    SAN DIEGO and TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 10
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE),
a global leader in the online games industry, today
announced that its Taipei-based SOGA studio, in conjunction
with Shanghai Northstar is developing a game based on the
hit movie Kung Fu Hustle.  Designed specifically for the
Chinese market, SOGA is also collaborating with development
talent from across China to assist in the design and
development of the game.   

    "Working with Stephen Chow has been a fantastic
experience," says John Laurence, General Manager of
[SOGA].  "His sense of humor, directing and martial
arts expertise has been an enormous asset for us; he's an
avid video game player, with a strong sense of game
design."

    Kung Fu Hustle combines the best elements of classic
fighting games from the past and adds compelling character
designs, new technology and trademark humor from the movie
for a new generation of gamers.  Players will encounter
familiar characters from the movie, such as Sin, the
Sidekick, the Landlady, Beast and more.  Kung Fu Hustle
features a branching story mode, where players can hone
their Kung Fu skills against a host of wacky enemies as
they battle their way across China.  By cooperating with
friends, players can learn new sets of moves to add to
their martial arts arsenal. 

    In Versus Mode, eight players can go head to head in
all out multiplayer mayhem, creating that old-school arcade
feeling online.  Gamers can even watch and scout potential
opponents online before challenging them. 

    While Kung Fu Hustle will be free to play, players will
be able to purchase extra lives and hundreds of virtual
items for a nominal fee.   

    "Kung Fu Hustle represents a decidedly different
and exciting direction for SOE in terms of creating
territory-specific content utilizing local development
talent," says David D Christensen, Vice President of
Business Development & International Operations for
Sony Online Entertainment.  "We are confident this
approach will help us to further extend SOE's global
business."

    About Sony Online Entertainment

    Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized
worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games,
with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe.
 SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment
for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless
markets.  Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit
titles including EverQuest(R), EverQuest(R) II, Champions
of Norrath(R), Untold Legends(TM), and PlanetSide(R), as
well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies(TM), SOE
continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the
creation of active player communities while introducing new
genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in
San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in
Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Taiwan, SOE has an
array of cutting-edge games in development.  SOE is owned by
Sony Pictures Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment
America.

    SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are
registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. 
Untold Legends is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment
LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of
their respective owners.

    About Shanghai Northstar

    Shanghai Northstar Software Technology Co., Ltd.
("Shanghai Northstar") is an exclusive
foreign-owned company specializing in online game
development and operation.  As a new rising star among
gaming companies in one of the world's largest online game
markets -- China, Shanghai Northstar recruited young
talents with extensive knowledge and experience on
developing and operating Chinese and Korean games in China
and captured over 5 million game players within one year. 
Backed by a team of professional game developers,
programmers and experienced game players, who refuse to
compromise on producing general online games, the company
is eager to develop games for players who demand for more
heartfelt advanced game experience.  In 2007, Shanghai
Northstar will introduce its upcoming products
"Wulitou Tetris", a witty wacky style casual
online game, and the next generation MMORPG "Discovery
Online".  


    For more information, please contact: 

    Michael Shelling
    Tel:   [phone]
    Email: [e-mail]

    Taina Rodriguez
    Tel:   [phone]
    Email: [e-mail]
    Site:  http://www.nstartech.com