The9 Obtains Exclusive License to Operate Ragnarok Online 2(R) in Mainland China

The9 Obtains Exclusive License to Operate Ragnarok Online 2(R) in Mainland China

January 10, 2007

    SHANGHAI, China, Jan. 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The9
Limited (Nasdaq: NCTY), a leading online game operator in
China, today announced that it has, through its subsidiary,
entered into an agreement with Gravity Co., Ltd., an online
game developer and publisher, for an exclusive license to
operate Ragnarok Online 2(R), a massively multiplayer
online role playing game ("MMORPG") in mainland
China.  The term of the license is for four years from the
date of commercial launch of the game in mainland China. 
In addition, The9 also entered into an agreement for an
exclusive license from Gravity Co., Ltd. to operate the
Emil Chronicle Online(R), also a MMORPG, in mainland China
for a period of three years from the commercial launch of
the game.

    Ragnarok Online 2(R), subtitled "Epic of the
Light", is the original sequel of Ragnarok Online(R),
a cartoon style 3D MMORPG with compelling storyline,
splendid scenes, as well as gorgeous graphical effects
absorbing various elements from myths and history of
different cultures in the world.  Currently, Ragnarok
Online 2(R) is in initial closed beta test in Korea and, as
of January 8, 2007, was voted as the most anticipated Korean
game by Chinese gamers on 17173.com, one of the largest
games information portal in China.

    Emil Chronicle Online(R) is a cartoon-style 2.5D MMORPG
that was commercially launched in Japan, with the most
recent upgrade introduced in early December 2006.

    Mr. Jun Zhu, The9's Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, commented: "We are very excited that The9
obtained exclusive licenses to operate Ragnarok Online 2(R)
and Emil Chronicle Online(R) in mainland China.  This
cooperation not only testifies again as to our market
position as the "Partner of Choice" in China for
renowned overseas game developers, but also further
demonstrates our commitment to offer the highest-quality
games to Chinese online gamers.  We are especially proud of
the addition of Ragnarok Online 2(R) to our already strong
pipeline, which we believe truly diversifies The9's game
portfolio.  In the future, we intend to further leverage
our resources and strengths to bring additional fantastic
games to online game players in China."

    Mr. Il Young Ryu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Gravity Co., Ltd., said: "We are very pleased to
have The9 as our exclusive partner for Ragnarok Online 2(R)
and Emil Chronicle Online(R) in China.  With a proven track
record and impressive operational expertise for the Chinese
online game market, we are highly confident that The9 will
lead the game to be a huge success in China.  Gravity Co.
Ltd., of course, will work closely with The9 and provide
our full support."

    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 Blizzard Entertainment(R)'s
World of Warcraft(R), MU(R) and Mystina Online(R) and its
first proprietary MMORGP, Joyful Journey West, in China. 
It has also obtained exclusive licenses to operate
additional MMORPGs in China, including Granado Espada(R),
Soul of The Ultimate Nation(R), Guild Wars(R), Hellgate:
London(R), Ragnarok Online 2(R) and Emil Chronicle
Online(R).  In addition, The9 is also working on the
development of a 3D fantasy MMORPG game, Fantasy Melody
Online.

    About Gravity Co., Ltd. 

    Based in South Korea, Gravity is a developer and
publisher of online games.  Gravity's principal product,
Ragnarok Online(TM), is a popular online game in many
markets, including Japan, Taiwan and Thailand, and is
currently commercially offered in 21 markets.  For more
information about Gravity, please visit
http://www.gravity.co.kr .

    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, information disseminated over the
Internet and Internet content providers 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 annual reports on Form 20-F. 
The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any
forward-looking statement, except as required under
applicable law.

    For further information, please contact:

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




SOURCE  The9 Limited