After months in the free play, open beta stage, Lineage II celebrated its much-awaited commercial launch with a grand celebration at the SM Mall of Asia last January 12. Hundreds of people – players and non-gamers alike – flocked to the mall’s Music Hall to witness the biggest, grandest game launch yet this side of Asia.
The Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game celebrated its South-East Asia launch simultaneously in four other venues as well: Baguio City, Cebu City, Davao City, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia (for the Malaysian and Singaporean gamers). Live broadcast feeds connected all five venues to each other.
Lineage II’s kickoff party lasted all afternoon and well into the night as various contests, activities, and performances peppered the event. As the rains poured outside the MOA during the launch, so did the prizes. A total of PhP1 million in cash and gift packs were given away, in addition to the much-coveted, premium in-game items. Some 5,000 people attended all five venues. Early registrants came in as early as 1:00am, and MOA’s Music Hall was already at full capacity a mere hour after the launch’s opening. The huge crowd was there for the rest of the day, up until the event’s culmination that night.
For the long-time Lineage II players, the MOA launch held a Battle Tournament that pitted some of the best in the game. As the ultra-competitive Battle Tournament went underway, Lineage II’s very own Game Girls further turned up the heat with their song and dance performance of their first single, “Have Fun Go Mad”. The girls performed for two more times throughout the event.
As promised, some of the country’s popular music acts came to further enliven the crowd: Sugarfree, Paraluman, and Top Junk.
Alert eyes and skilled hands not only participated in the Battle Tournament but also in the equally challenging on-the-spot drawing contest, placard contest, and in the Lineage II Amazing Race. The first-place winners in these competitions also took home several thousands of pesos in prizes as well as special gift packs. The launch got the MOA crowd involved early on with a trivia contest.
The crowd-pleasing group Cosplay contest featured impressive, effort-laden costumes of the in-game characters in Lineage II. The audience got more entertained as the groups tried to upstage each other with their creative skits.
Clans flocked the five venues to join the Clan Rally, where the clan with most number of gamer attendees, loudest clan shout, and best clan flags, win cash and gift packs. Some clan leaders came all the way from Baguio, Cebu, Davao, and other parts of the country to attend the MOA event. Some Malaysian and Singaporean gamers also attended the MOA event.
As day turned into night, a fireworks display outside the venue signalled that the event would only get more exciting. A pyrotechnics display onstage later ushered in the arrival of the celebrity hosts for the main program: DJ Andi, Jaimee Joaquin, and Mojo Jojo.
The guest speakers came to the stage later on. The VIP speeches were led by Asian Media Development Group’s Chairman Arturo B. Diago Jr. Also provided speeches were NCsoft representative Brian Kang, and Chief Operating Officer Ronald Allan Aquino, whose presentation of 2008 special promotions got a huge applause from the gamers.
Capping the night was music band Calla Lily’s much-awaited performance. Female fans shrieked and sang as Calla Lily played their widely popular songs including “Pasan”, Lineage II’s official soundtrack.
The Lineage II grand commercial launch was sponsored by Razer Mouse, Globe Innove, Epson, Bitstop, Jollibee, Astone, Intel Philippines, Cosplay.ph, Playground Magazine, Cube iTV, Epinoy Mall, Dickies Philippines, 1 VIP, 99.5 Hit FM, Magic 89.9, Baranggay 97.1 LS FM, Gadgets Magazine, Speed Magazine, and Game Magazine.
For more information about Lineage II South-East Asia, visit the official website at www.lineage2.ph.
NCsoft releases the first expansion to award-winning, subscription-free Guild Wars franchise, builds bridge to Guild Wars 2.
Bellevue, WA. Aug. 31, 2007-NCsoft® and ArenaNet® have launched Guild Wars: Eye of the North™, the first expansion to the Guild Wars® franchise of subscription-free, online role-playing games. Guild Wars players who purchase the expansion can access Eye of the North content through the multi-million-selling Guild Wars campaigns-Guild Wars, Guild Wars: Factions™, or Guild Wars: Nightfall™. The expansion also includes an innovative feature that allows players to take achievements they have earned over the years with them into the forthcoming Guild Wars 2™.
Guild Wars: Eye of the North, continues the subscription-free business model pioneered by ArenaNet. The expansion is now available at www.GuildWars.ph, as well as from retailers nationwide, for an expected suggested retail price of PhP2,200.
Eye of the North advances the story told in the original Guild Wars campaign, and is set in the unexplored area of the continent of Tyria. One of the highlights of the expansion is the Hall of Monuments, which allows players to preserve armour sets, pets, Heroes, and titles earned while playing Guild Wars, Factions, Nightfall, and Eye of the North, and take those accomplishments with them into Guild Wars 2. The expansion also contains a host of new features that will appeal directly to veteran Guild Wars players, including 18 multi-level dungeons, 150 new skills across all 10 Guild Wars professions, 10 new Heroes to aid them in their adventures, 40 new armour sets, and more items, weapons, and titles.
“We think fans will find a lot to love in Guild Wars: Eye of the North,” said Mike O’Brien, co-founder of ArenaNet. “Not only do we go back to the original Guild Wars lands and stories to wrap up plots and themes fans have clamoured to learn more about, but we’ve also built a bridge to the future through the Hall of Monuments. This will give loyal players a way to preserve what they’ve accomplished in Guild Wars over the past two years, and reclaim the legacy of their favourite characters in Guild Wars 2.”
The Guild Wars franchise recently surpassed four million units sold and is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed online role-playing game series of all time. Guild Wars 2 is expected to go into public beta in the second half of 2008.
For more information, visit the Guild Wars website at www.GuildWars.ph or www.GuildWars.com.
About AsianMedia
Established in 1999, Asian Media Development Group, previously known as AMDG, built up a nationwide sales and distribution network for licensed PC games, which penetrated more than 90% of internet cafes in the Philippines. Expanding into the online gaming market in 2007, the company adopted a vibrant new logo and re-emerged as AsianMedia to reflect its commitment to providing the best online gaming experience for regional gamers. To learn more, visit www.AsianMedia.ph.
About ArenaNet
ArenaNet, located in Bellevue, Washington, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NCsoft Corporation. ArenaNet has built a state-of-the-art interactive game network and develops premier multiplayer online games for dedicated game players. ArenaNet’s titles, Guild Wars, Guild Wars: Factions, Guild Wars: Nightfall, and Guild Wars: Eye of the North, are global online role-playing games that allow gamers to play with anyone, anytime, and anywhere in the world. More information about ArenaNet can be found at www.arena.net.
About NCsoft Corporation
NCsoft North America is headquartered in Austin, Texas and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea-based NCsoft Corporation. NCsoft, with its own development and publishing offices in Texas and California, also works with other NCsoft subsidiaries and third-party developers throughout North America to develop and publish innovative online entertainment software products. The company has successfully launched multiple online titles in the last three years and continues to support its franchises, which include Lineage®/Lineage II, City of Heroes®/City of Villains®, Guild Wars/Guild Wars: Factions™/Guild Wars: Nightfall™/Guild Wars: Eye of the North™, and Dungeon Runners™. More information about NCsoft can be found at www.plaync.com.
It's finally here! Lineage II SEA Closed Beta will be live tomorrow, July 12th 2007, at 1:00PM Philippine Time (+8GMT) and all the GameOPS contest winners have been included in the first batch of CBT account holders.
You should by now have received an email from Asian Media regarding your account details and instructions on how to activate it. If your name is on this list and have not received any emails from Asian Media, please email us at lineage2 (AT) gameops (DOT) net GAMEOPS LINEAGE II SEA CBT ACCOUNT GIVEAWAY WINNERS:
Melvin Phua Teng Juan - Singapore
Keno Rion R. Peralta - Philippines
Frederick Lo - Philippines
Lee Chee Yong Lionel - Singapore
Karl Lawrence Bautista Abiog - Philippines
Paolo Dino Fabie - Philippines
Pham Huan Nghiep - Singapore
John Oliver Lim - Philippines
Raymond Gan - Philippines
Vergil Felix Edward C. Tudtud - Philippines
cloud2004 - Philippines
Pocholo Austero - Philippines
Nedi Nurniza - Singapore
Stanley Choi - Singapore
Mervin Uy - Singapore
Natalie Patricia Ann Tantioco - Philippines
Chev - Philippines
Benedict Lim - Philippines
Dominic Nuesa - Philippines
Noli Rafallo - Philippines
Nikita Lim - Philippines
John Barry Ballaran - Philippines
Viril Calimlim - Philippines
Vushtorm Calimlim - Philippines
Visam Calimlim - Philippines
James Noel W. Pabico - Philippines
Francis Jacob V. Bince - Philippines
Niño Domiciano Aldaba Ruiz Jr. - Philippines
Harley C. Dangan - Philippines
Christine C. Ramos - Philippines
Martin Allan Ignacio Rivera - Philippines
Jerson Ramos - Philippines
Miko Ojeda - Philippines
Glen V. Merto - Philippines
Daniel de la Cruz - Philippines
Patricia A. Marcos - Philippines
Gian Carlo Bengero - Philippines
Brian Roy Villanueva - Philippines
Donabel dela Pena - Philippines
Yousef A. Almadhoun - Philippines
Asian Media has also released the latest music video for the Lineage II game.
CALLA LILY’s hit single “Pasan” from their gold album “Destination XYZ” has been designated the official soundtrack of the online game, Lineage II™. In fact, animated sequences from the Triple-A MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) can be seen in the music video for “Pasan”.
AsianMedia Chief Operating Officer, Ronald Allan Aquino revealed that DVD game installers of Lineage II will include the “Pasan” music video.
Likewise, specially marked copies of “Destination XYZ”, released by Sony BMG Entertainment Philippines and available in record stores nationwide will also carry the Lineage II game installer.
“More than providing theme music you can listen to while playing Lineage II, Calla Lily and ‘Pasan’ capture a key strategy for playing the game, which is working as a team to get to where you want to go and not leaving anyone behind,” said Aquino.
Lineage II features intriguing and highly sophisticated political, economic, and social systems that add another dimension to the game’s power struggles which are not found in other MMORPGs.
AsianMedia has just opened the pre-CBT website of Lineage 2 South East Asia. You can visit their site by clicking this link.
If you want to be part of the CBT of Lineage II SEA, join the GameOPS Lineage 2 SEA CBT Giveaway! The GameOPS giveaway is open to ALL residents of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. Deadline of entries is on July 6, 2007
ASIAN MEDIA Development Group (AsianMedia®) jumps headlong into the big leagues with the much anticipated Triple-A online game, Lineage II™ on its new Philippine server.
AsianMedia® acquired distribution rights in South-East Asia for the medieval fantasy MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) from Korean gaming giant NCsoft®. With Lineage II™, regional gamers are finally getting what they have long been seeking – a challenging and immersive online game that delivers premium content.
As AsianMedia Chief Operating Officer, Ronald Allan Aquino comments, “Our extensive market research into local gaming behavior confirms that Pinoy gamers are ready, willing, and eager to experience a higher caliber of gaming content.”
AsianMedia President, Felizardo de la Merced stated that “AsianMedia is committed to raising the bar for online games within the region by providing top-rate content with the IT infrastructure to back it up.” Building the foundation for great online gaming
AsianMedia has made substantial investments to house top-of-the-line gaming infrastructure for Lineage II in the Philippines, which will serve as the hub for the hundreds of thousands of gamers expected within the Southeast Asian region.
AsianMedia recently chose HP as its technology provider to ensure the highest satisfaction for Lineage II gamers in the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia. HP will provide AsianMedia with an online gaming infrastructure solution consisting of ProLiant and BladeSystem servers, StorageWorks data and network storage solutions, networking products, and services.
Information and Communications Technology Head, Apol Salud points out that Lineage II will be the first MMORPG to use HP’s Blade Server in the Philippines. “HP blade servers will allow AsianMedia to provide virtually unlimited expansion for Lineage II in terms of capacity of gamers and game content, while minimizing the amount of downtime for maintenance and upgrades,” he says.
“The Lineage II servers are also tightly integrated with Telco grade network equipments from Cisco Systems to increase its efficiency in handling large amounts of data traffic,” continues Apol.
“This allows ‘direct peering’ with our partner telecommunication companies such as PLDT DSL, Globe DSL, Telekom Malaysia, and SingTel so, in effect, our servers’ capacity for high volume traffic matches that used by the telcos themselves,” he adds.
“We have a true ‘world server’ capable of maintaining the highest quality of service and performance, whether it is accommodating a single user or 100,000 concurrent users,” Mr. Salud states.
To complement its gaming infrastructure, AsianMedia has also set up a 24/7 customer service center using Dell servers to address regional and local gamers’ concerns.
Delivering the goods to gamers
AsianMedia Chief Operating Officer, Ronald Allan Aquino is confident that Lineage II will quickly win the hearts and minds of gamers throughout the South East Asian region.
“We have a great product in Lineage II and we’ve done everything we can to ensure that we provide the best gaming experience possible to those who log in to our servers to play,” says Aquino.
“This is the kind of game where you simply cannot afford to be lagged if you expect to get anywhere in PvP (Player versus Player) or PvE (Player versus Environment) scenarios. We are indeed fortunate to be working with only the best IT solution providers so our gamers can have the same great experience whether they’re in Malaysia, Singapore, or the Philippines,” he adds.
Lineage II has drawn millions of loyal fans worldwide with its combination of fantasy combat and the unique social/ political/economic power struggles developed through the community and by the in-game actions of individual gamers.
Gamers may play alone or as part of a group to fight monsters and complete quests for new skills, experience points, and items. Lineage II also features siege warfare; but to make sure PvP stays under control, the design includes a Karma system that provides negative consequences for killing other players when they do not fight back.
Lineage II features greatly improved third-person 3D graphics thanks to the Unreal Engine developed by Epic Games.
Be the first to access Lineage 2 South-East Asia Closed Beta in your neighborhood by joining the GameOPS Lineage II SEA CBT Quick Giveaway! We're giving away FIVE! Yes! Five Lineage 2 SEA-CBT accounts right now!
All you have to do is post a comment on this blog and write in one sentence why you should be given a Lineage 2 South East Asia Closed Beta Test account. Five of the best comments will be chosen by the GameOPS Final Big Boss, Rocky.
The GameOPS Quick L2-SEA CBT Giveaway is open to people located in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore with a valid mobile phone number. Don't forget to post your email address. GAMEOPS QUICK LINEAGE 2 SEA CBT GIVEAWAY RULES:
The contest is open to ALL residents of the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore that have a valid mobile#. Identification must be produced on request (Full Name, Email, Mobile Number, Town/City/Province, Country)
The prize is not redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded.
Decisions of the contest judges are final - no substitutions will be available.
By claiming the prize, the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation of his or her name and/or likeness and/or voice/photograph and municipality of residence for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotape, distribution over the internet and picture date storage) which GameOPS.net or AsianMedia may deem appropriate.
In accepting the prize, the winner, and any guest(s), acknowledges that GameOPS.net and AsianMedia may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize(s).
Detailed contest rules applicable to this contest, including contest entry dates, how to enter, and prize value, number and any restrictions applicable to these prizes are available upon request from GameOPS.net
GameOPS.net retains the rights, in its absolute and sole discretion, to make substitutions of equivalent kind or approximate value in the event of the unavailability of any prize or component of the prize for any reason whatsoever.
This contest is under the jurisdiction of Philippine laws.
GameOPS.net reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this contest at any time without prior notice.
Five (5) entries chosen by the GameOPS board will be declared winners.
ASIAN MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GROUP was granted by NCsoft Corporation the right to publish, distribute, and transmit Lineage II™ the Chaotic Throne in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.
=== UPDATE: The GameOPS Lineage II South-East Asia Closed Beta Test Giveaway is now open to ALL residents of the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore! Deadline of entries is on July 6, 2007! ===
Imagine a dragon swooping above the ramparts of majestic castles, raining arrows upon archers who guard castle walls, or running head-first into groups of foes and monsters hell-bent on your personal destruction! Feel the intensity of siege warfare like never before with Lineage™ II: The Chaotic Throne.
Lineage II offers a dynamic 3D world drawn in exquisite detail. Set 150 years before Lineage, just as the kingdom of Aden becomes a unified state, Lineage II: The Chaotic Throne shows the struggles that take place during a time when several medieval provinces come under one rule.
Through the enhanced class system, Lineage II gives players many play stle options per race. As players advance, new sets of skills and items become available to them. The community function in the game includes a chat system, message boards, clan home pages, and other functions so that players can enjoy community activities both online and offline.
Have fun storming castles, fighting off fantastic monsters, and experiencing the gorgeous world of Lineage II using a simple, point-and-click interface. As you grow in the game, use its complex political, economic, and social systems to rule the world! GameOPS, in cooperation with AsianMedia, is proud to announce that we will be giving away Closed Beta Test Accounts of Lineage II South-East Asia! There will be more than 25 Closed Beta Accounts to be given away! Be one of the first to test this much awaited online game from the guys who brought you Guild Wars.
HOW TO ENTER:
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
There are several ways to join the GameOPS Lineage II South-East Asia Closed Beta Account Giveaway: I. ESSAY
Compose an essay with not less than 50 words and state why you should be given a Lineage II South-East Asia Closed-Beta Account.
Use the same username on the blog and message board. Anonymous comments on the blog will be disqualified.
II. POSTER MAKING / FAN ART CONTEST
Entries can be drawn by hand or by digital means and must not exceed 800x600 resolution. Topic must be related to Lineage 2. (Do not post your entries on the GameOPS Message Board.)
III. INVITE FRIENDS
Invite at least 15 of your friends to join the new GameOPS Message Board. In order to qualify, please follow these steps:
Send your username and the usernames of your friends who have signed up at the new GameOPS Message Board together with your FULL NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS (used in the message board and email update), MOBILE#, TOWN / CITY / PROVINCE and a copy of your contest entry (essay or poster) to the our email at lineage2 (AT) gameops (DOT) net
Deadline of entries will be on the 6th of July 2007.
All entries must be completed and received on or by the closing date of the draw. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. All entries shall become the property of GameOPS.net. GameOPS.net is not responsible for lost, misdirected or delayed entries. Entries received by telephone, fax, courier or personal delivery will not be accepted.
CONTEST RULES:
The contest is open to all that have a valid Philippine, Malaysian, and Singaporean GSM mobile#. Identification must be produced on request (Full Name, Email, Mobile Number, Town/City/Province, Country)
The prize is not redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded.
Decisions of the contest judges are final - no substitutions will be available.
By claiming the prize, the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation of his or her name and/or likeness and/or voice/photograph and municipality of residence for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotape, distribution over the internet and picture date storage) which GameOPS.net or AsianMedia may deem appropriate.
In accepting the prize, the winner, and any guest(s), acknowledges that GameOPS.net and AsianMedia may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize(s).
Detailed contest rules applicable to this contest, including contest entry dates, how to enter, and prize value, number and any restrictions applicable to these prizes are available upon request from GameOPS.net
GameOPS.net retains the rights, in its absolute and sole discretion, to make substitutions of equivalent kind or approximate value in the event of the unavailability of any prize or component of the prize for any reason whatsoever.
This contest is under the subject of Philippine laws.
GameOPS.net reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this contest at any time without prior notice.
All entries will become the property of GameOPS.net and will be shared with AsianMedia
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do I need to purchase anything?
NO. All you have to do is choose what category to join and follow the instructions.
Why do I need to invite other members to join the GameOPS Forum?
GameOPS.net rose from the ashes 2 months ago after 3 years of hibernation. We've lost a lot of members and we want to "re-populate" and rebuild our community
How many times could I join and win?
You could join as many times as you like and you can win a maximum of 3 times.
ASIAN MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GROUP was granted by NCsoft Corporation the right to publish, distribute, and transmit Lineage II™ the Chaotic Throne in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.
ASIAN Media Development Group’s (AsianMedia) move towards online games is welcome news for the Filipino gaming community which is hungry for quality online games. AsianMedia’s partnership with Korean gaming giant, NCsoft to distribute Lineage II in Southeast Asia opens doors for Filipino gamers to experience bigger and better games at their own terms.
As AsianMedia Chief Operating Officer, Ronald Allan Aquino comments, “Our extensive market research into local gaming behavior confirms that Pinoy gamers are ready, willing and eager to experience a higher caliber of gaming content.”
Lineage II, the medieval fantasy MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) has drawn millions of loyal fans worldwide to its combination of fantasy combat. Its unique social/ political/economic power struggles developed through the community and by the in-game actions of individual gamers are anticipated to appeal especially to Filipinos.
“Lineage II is an excellent game to spearhead our efforts towards continuously providing cutting-edge online games,” says Aquino. “Each new chronicle in Lineage II is truly massive in scope and offers new twists that will keep gamers immersed in the game.” Marketing to a Philippine Gaming Community
In a move to make the game accessible to more Filipino gamers, access to Lineage II’s Philippine servers will be available on a prepaid card system which will allow gamers to determine the amount of time they play Lineage II.
“For now, we’re focusing on the Pay-to-Play (P2P) business model as opposed to the Free-to-Play (F2P) model because P2P games tend to attract more gamers who are prepared to commit to the game and thereby develop a sense of loyalty to the brand,” says Aquino.
Although most online gaming in the Philippines is concentrated within Metro Manila, AsianMedia will market Lineage II throughout the Philippines by tapping its existing distribution network for popular PC games like Counterstrike and GuildWars among internet gaming cafes spread throughout the country.
“Lineage II has a unique community building component and it would not be farfetched to imagine competition among clans from different provinces as well as different countries like Malaysia and Singapore who will also be playing Lineage II from the same server,” he continues.
“In terms of content, we also believe that Philippine gamers are willing to pay for superior quality game content, something which Lineage II is already known for throughout the world,” adds Aquino.
With regular updates or expansions to the game, unceasing game content development, and frequent in-game promotional events to keep gamers on their collective toes, Lineage II is particularly suited for gamers who demand value for their money.
Lineage II also features greatly improved third-person 3D graphics thanks to the Unreal Engine developed by Epic Games.
“It is without a doubt, the most breathtakingly stunning and immersive Triple-A fantasy MMORPG in the market,” adds Aquino.
AsianMedia’s research into Philippine online gaming behavior revealed that a growing segment of the gaming community is in their early to mid-20s and more likely to play online games that feature realistic characters. They also expressed a desire for games with spectacular graphics and more challenging content: qualities which Lineage II delivers in spades.
“Although we’re keeping our options open towards other types of online games in the future, we’re confident that Philippine gamers will come to the world of Lineage II, decide to stay and experience the game of their life,” concludes Aquino.
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