The9 Obtained Exclusive Publishing License of "MIR M" IP, A New Chinese Edition of Mobile and PC Game from Wemade

Rhea-AI Summary

The9 (Nasdaq: NCTY) announced that its subsidiary, China Crown Technology, has secured an exclusive publishing license for the new MIR M game from Wemade. This agreement allows China Crown to publish and service the game in mainland China for both mobile and PC platforms. The license term is 5 years from the commercial launch, expected in early 2025, with a possible 1-year extension. The game may incorporate blockchain technology, subject to PRC regulations. The9 aims to leverage AI in game development to enhance NPCs, procedural content generation, and personalized behavior prediction.

Positive

• Exclusive publishing license for MIR M game in mainland China.
• 5-year license term with a possible 1-year extension.
• Incorporation of blockchain technology subject to regulations.
• Expansion of game options for both mobile and PC platforms.
• Introduction of AI in game development to improve user experience.

Negative

• The commercial launch is delayed until early 2025.
• Dependence on PRC laws and regulations for blockchain technology integration.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The exclusive publishing license agreement between The9 Limited and Wemade to launch the new MIR M game in China can be strategically significant. China's gaming market is one of the largest globally, with a massive user base and strong demand for both mobile and PC games. By securing the exclusive publishing rights, The9 taps into this lucrative market, potentially increasing its revenue streams significantly.

Moreover, the incorporation of blockchain technology in gaming can attract tech-savvy users interested in the innovative aspects of gaming. However, it also could bring regulatory scrutiny, given China's stringent stance on cryptocurrencies and related technologies. Ensuring compliance will be critical for The9 to avoid legal and operational disruptions.

The planned utilization of AI to enhance the gaming experience is another positive aspect. AI can significantly improve user engagement by creating personalized experiences, which can keep players invested in the game for longer periods. However, the successful implementation of these AI technologies will require substantial investment in R&D and could lead to increased operational costs in the short term.

In the long term, if executed correctly, these strategies can position The9 Limited favorably within the competitive Chinese gaming market, potentially leading to increased market share and revenue growth.

Tech Expert

The announcement of incorporating AI and blockchain in the new MIR M game offers a glimpse into future technological advancements in gaming. AI enhancements like improved NPCs, procedural content generation and personalized behavior prediction can revolutionize the gameplay experience. These technologies can make games more dynamic and immersive, aligning with current industry trends where players seek more interactive and personalized experiences.

The blockchain component adds another layer of intrigue. Blockchain can provide transparent and secure in-game transactions, creating unique opportunities for digital asset ownership and trade within the game. However, the execution of blockchain features will need to navigate China's complex regulatory environment, which often sees fluctuating policies on blockchain and cryptocurrency use.

Nevertheless, the integration of these technologies indicates that The9 is positioning itself as a forward-thinking company within the gaming industry, potentially gaining a technological edge over competitors.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, the exclusive publishing license for MIR M in China could have a substantial impact on The9's revenue potential. The gaming industry in China is highly lucrative and an exclusive license for a popular game can drive significant sales and in-game purchases. With the license term spanning 5 to 6 years, it provides a long-term revenue stream and a stable financial outlook.

However, significant investments will be necessary to ensure successful game launch and operations, as well as to integrate advanced technologies like AI and blockchain. These investments may initially impact the bottom line but could yield substantial returns if the game achieves strong market penetration and user retention.

Furthermore, while the company's move to incorporate advanced technologies is promising, it must be balanced with prudent financial management to avoid over-expenditure and ensure sustainable growth.

SHANGHAI, May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The9 Limited (Nasdaq: NCTY) (the "Company"), an established Internet company, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary China Crown Technology Limited ("China Crown"), a company incorporated in Hong Kong, entered into an exclusive publishing license agreement (the "License Agreement") with Wemade Co., Ltd. ("Wemade"). Pursuant to the License Agreement, China Crown will exclusively publish and service the new MIR M game in mainland China, in both Mobile and PC version. The game may include blockchain technology in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations, subject to further agreement between the parties. The license term is 5 years from the commercial launch date and may be extended for another 1 year if such extension is not objected by either Party. The Commercial launch is expected in early 2025.

"MIR is one of the biggest game IPs in China. We will work efficiently and effectively with the Korean top game developer Wemade, to bring brand new gaming experience to Chinese gamers. The game operation, publishing and appreciation will be very different from the traditional way. We will also explore the utilization of AI in game development, which the gamers have been looking forward, like improving NPCs, procedural content generation, personalized behavior prediction, etc," said Mr. George Lai, Director and CFO of the Company.

Safe Harbor Statement

This current report contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond The9's control. The9 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: The9's goal and strategies; The9's expansion plans; The9's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; The9's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; The9's expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with business partners it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in The9's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date hereof, and The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

The9 Limited
17 Floor,
No. 130, Wu Song Road,
Hong Kou District,
Shanghai 200080, PRC

About The9 Limited 

The9 Limited (The9) is an Internet company listed on Nasdaq in 2004. The9 aims to become a global diversified high-tech Internet company, and is engaged in blockchain business including the operation of cryptocurrency mining. The9 is also stepping into AI application business in different industries.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the9-obtained-exclusive-publishing-license-of-mir-m-ip-a-new-chinese-edition-of-mobile-and-pc-game-from-wemade-302154970.html

SOURCE The9 Limited

FAQ

What is NCTY's new game publishing agreement about?

NCTY's subsidiary, China Crown Technology, secured an exclusive license to publish and service the new MIR M game from Wemade in mainland China.

When will NCTY launch the MIR M game?

The commercial launch of MIR M is expected in early 2025.

Will the MIR M game include blockchain technology?

The MIR M game may include blockchain technology, subject to compliance with PRC laws and regulations.

How long is NCTY's publishing license for MIR M?

The publishing license for MIR M is for 5 years from the commercial launch date, with a possible 1-year extension.

What platforms will the MIR M game be available on?

The MIR M game will be available on both mobile and PC platforms.