Heroes of Might and Magic Online Announced

[GameBanshee News]

NetDragon Websoft sent out a surprising press release this morning announcing that "black dragon testing" of a Heroes of Might and Magic Online MMORPG has begun.

Black Dragon Testing of the NetDragon Game 'Heroes of Might and Magic Online' Started on 30 March

HONG KONG, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the leading game developers and operators in the PRC, NetDragon Websoft Inc. ("NetDragon" or the "Company", with its subsidiary collectively the "Group"; stock code: 8288.HK) has announced that on 30 March 2008, it officially started its black dragon testing client of the game "Heroes of Might and Magic Online", which is to be launched in 2008.

"Heroes of Might and Magic Online" is a 2.5D MMORPG. This game is being developed based on the well-known PC game "Heroes of Might and Magic", licensed to the Group by UBISOFT. The game is set in a virtual medieval-style heroic fantasy world, where players control a virtual hero who leads an army. By capturing towns, players can also engage extra armies to help them in their conquests. The Group offers players a number of different 'virtual items' for use in the game, including various virtual weapons and game maps.

Mr. Liu Dejian, Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon, commented, "The game is targeted at existing "Heroes of Might and Magic" PC game players worldwide, together with players who prefer strategic games. We expect the game to be launched in the second quarter of 2008, and believe it will trigger new experiences to players."

About NetDragon Websoft Inc.

NetDragon Websoft Inc. is one of the leading online game developers and operators in the PRC. The Group's portfolio consists of a range of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) that cater to various types of players and gaming preferences. The Group has successfully developed and marketed many popular online games in various styles. Its current offerings include the games Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Zero Online, Tou Ming Zhuang Online, Era of Faith, and Monster & Me. The games are available in six languages, including English, French and Spanish. The Group also has three developing games in the pipeline, namely Heroes of Might and Magic Online, Way of the Five, and Tian Yuan. NetDragon was listed on the GEM board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on 2 November 2007 (Stock Code: 8288.HK).

As long as Ubisoft oversees the project closely, this could have some serious potential.