Chinese MMOG Boasts 9 Million Players
Next Generation is reporting that Chinese Massive title Yulgang has hit 9 Million subscribers, just two months after the game's launch. Joystiq has commentary, and clarifications: " First, Yulgang does not require a registration or a subscription fee - and as many of you have pointed out in regards to Guild War's recent milestone, without subscription fees that number can seem quite inflated from the actual number of players. In fact, the maximum number of people playing Yulgang at any one time has been only 215,000. Which is still a high number, but less than one-thirtieth of its registered database."
"Rather than paying for time spent on the game itself as most other MMORPG
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business models apply, Yulgang sells valued-added virtual merchandise and
services from its online game shop. This revenue model allows users to enjoy a
high degree of game playing flexibility. This distinctive model pioneered by
China.com, while having proven successful in Korea, is a breakthrough in
China."
Taken from http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT
Meh. That sounds like Project Entropia. Anyway, it might be fun. Wonder if it's open to international players.
Lalala
These games can be played for free, and people can buy items/clothes/weapons for real money : The strange thing I always found is that most of the Korean crowd -really- digs to buy virtual clothes for their characters (some clothes don't even do anything : They just look fancy).
One of these games I really liked for awhile (which is now out of service) was ASDF Hoverboard
Back on topic, this game looks very nice ; And I hope they'll make an English version soon.
There was a very extensive list of those free (translated) Korean MMORPG's on Fileplanet, but with their new overhaul of the site it's impossible for me to find atm.