Microsoft to release Korean game

The game local industry in Korea is gearing up to explore new territory. Microsoft announced yesterday that it will distribute globally a Korean-developed game as part of it its Xbox game system. This is the first time a Korean game developer has created a game designed to be played on a game console, not a personal computer. Microsoft Korea said yesterday that it would circulate the game “Kingdom Under Fire ― The Crusaders” worldwide. It is currently being developed by Phantagram here, and is designed to be played only on the Microsoft platform. Phantagram was selected as a game developer for Xbox by Microsoft in March, 2001. “Crusaders” is a mix of action and strategy, and received high evaluations at the E3 international game exhibition both last year and the year before. The game is currently about 70-80 percent complete and will probably hit stores later this year. Microsoft said that it would give the exact release date early next month. Also yesterday, about 20 domestic computer game developers here launched a game association. The participating companies included NHN, NC Soft, Neowiz, Plenus, Webzen, Gravity, Nexon, HanbitSoft Inc., Softmax, CCR, and YNK. Through this association, the organizers said, they would promote cooperation among Korea’s game-producing companies and act as a lobby group to win favorable treatment in government economic promotion policies. The group said it would also act as an export promotion body to increase Korea’s presence in the world gaming market. by Yoon Chang-hee