Games Industry Wire

China’s The9 has bagged the exclusive rights to distribute MMO rhythm game Audition in China. We earlier reported on lots of lawsuits being filed in China regarding disputes in the distribution of Korean made MMOs and it looks like clear sailing for The9.

The9 Limited (”The9”), a leading online game operator in China, announced today that it has, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an agreement with Yedang Entertainment Co., Ltd (”Yedang”), a leading entertainment business publisher in Korea, and T3 Entertainment Co. Ltd. (”T3”), a leading online game developer in Korea, under which it will have an exclusive license to operate Audition in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau

The9’s exclusive license of Audition will be effective from August 1, 2008, and the term of the license will be for two years from the commercial launch date of the game in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. If the game is available for licensing prior to the current license’s expiration date, the effective date of The9’s exclusive license will be advanced to an earlier date. Under the agreement, The9 has agreed to pay a milestone-based license fee in the amount of US$8 million and a royalty equal to 30% of the game revenues provided that the minimum royalty payable over the license period shall be no less than US$35 million.

Audition is an advanced casual dancing online game and is currently one of the most popular casual games in mainland China. The agreement reflects The9’s recognition of Audition’s high game quality, and the game’s publisher and developer’s confidence in The9’s track record as a leading online game operator in China. The game is expected to continue its success story in China.

In May 2007, The9 also obtained the exclusive license to operate Audition 2, the sequel to Audition, in mainland China.

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