The9 Obtains Exclusive License to Operate Guild Wars(R) in Mainland China

The9 Obtains Exclusive License to Operate Guild Wars(R) in Mainland China

April 05, 2006

    SHANGHAI, China, April 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The9
Limited (Nasdaq: NCTY), a leading online game operator in
China, announced that it has entered into an agreement with
NCsoft Corporation, a world leading developer and publisher
of online games, for an exclusive license to operate the
Guild Wars(R) game, a Competitive Online Role-Playing Game
("CORPG"), in mainland China.¡¡ The term of the
license is three years from the date of commercial launch
of Guild Wars(R) in mainland China.

    Guild Wars(R) is a competitive online role-playing game
that rewards player skills.  Players explore a rich fantasy
game world, acquire skills, build personalized characters
and compete in head-to-head guild battles with friends
around the world.  Guild Wars(R) is a very popular game
worldwide. More than one million units of the game have
been sold in less than five months since it was launched in
late April 2005, according to NCsoft's company data.  The
new chapter of the Guild Wars(R) franchise, Guild Wars:
Factions(TM), is expected to be launched in late April
2006.  Currently, Guild Wars(R) is available in Korea,
North America, Europe, Japan and Taiwan.  

    Mr. Jun Zhu, The9's Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, commented: "We are very pleased that NCsoft
licensed its No.1 selling online role-playing game Guild
Wars(R) to The9 for its operation in mainland China.  This
once again proves that The9 is the partner of choice in
China for renowned overseas developers.  The9 continues to
focus on its strategy of offering best quality games to
Chinese gamers.  Guild Wars(R), a world class game with
numerous unique features that appeals to players all over
the world, is obviously another strong addition to our
unparalleled game portfolio.  The9 will further demonstrate
its excellent operating ability and will work closely with
NCsoft to offer Chinese players top-notch online game
experience."

    "The9 is the most outstanding online game operator
in China and we are very confident in its operational
capabilities," commented Tack Jin Kim, CEO of NCsoft
Corporation.  "We believe the cooperation with The9
will greatly enhance the attraction and value of Guild
Wars(R) in China's online game market.  We are very
satisfied with the cooperation and we look forward to
working with The9 to bring Guild Wars(R)' unique game
experience to Chinese game players in addition to our
players elsewhere around the world. "

    About The9 Limited

    The9 Limited is a leading online game operator in
China.  The9's business is primarily focused on operating
and developing MMORPGs for the Chinese online game players
market.  The9 directly or through affiliates operates
licensed MMORPGs, consisting of WoW, MU and Mystina Online,
in China.  It has also obtained exclusive licenses to
operate additional MMORPGs in China, including Granado
Espada and Soul of The Ultimate Nation(TM).  In addition,
The9 has developed its first proprietary MMORPG titled
"Joyful Journey West", which entered all-access
public open beta testing in August 2005.

    About NCsoft Corporation 

    Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, NCsoft Corporation
is the world's leading developer and publisher of online
games.  Founded in 1997, NCsoft is home to Lineage(R), the
world's most successful online role playing game and also
to Lineage 2, City of Heroes(R), City of Villains(TM) and
Guild Wars(R). In coming months, NCsoft is poised to launch
other massively multiplayer titles including Auto Assault(R)
and Guild Wars Factions(TM) in addition to various casual
games via its game portal, PlayNC(TM).  NCsoft has offices
in North America, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, China
and Thailand.  In fiscal year 2005, NCsoft posted revenues
of KRW 338 billion or approximately US$346 million.  For
more information about NCsoft visit http://www.ncsoft.com
or http://www.PlayNC.com . 

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. 
These statements are made under the "safe harbor"
provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements can be
identified by terminology such as "will,"
"expects," "anticipates,"
"future," "intends," "plans,"
"believes," "estimates" and similar
statements.  Among other things, the business outlook and
quotations from management in this press release contain
forward-looking statements.  The9 may also make written or
oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F
and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in
press releases and other written materials and in oral
statements made by its officers, directors or employees to
third parties.  Statements that are not historical facts,
including statements about The9's beliefs and expectations,
are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements
involve inherent risks and uncertainties.  A number of
important factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in any forward-looking
statement.  Potential risks and uncertainties include, but
are not limited to, The9's limited operating history as an
online game operator, political and economic policies of
the Chinese government, the laws and regulations governing
the online game industry and information disseminated over
the Internet in China, intensified government regulation of
Internet cafes, The9's ability to retain existing players
and attract new players, license, develop or acquire
additional online games that are appealing to users,
anticipate and adapt to changing consumer preferences and
respond to competitive market conditions, and other risks
and uncertainties outlined in The9's filings with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, including its
registration statement on Form F-1, as amended, and annual
report on Form 20-F.  The9 does not undertake any
obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except
as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

     Ms. Dahlia Wei, Senior Manager,
     Investor Relations, 
     The9 Limited
     Tel:    [phone]
     Email:  [e-mail]
     Web:    http://www.corp.the9.com

SOURCE  The9 Limited