Guild Wars Hits Top of PC Entertainment Charts

NCsoft has issued a press release announcing that ArenaNet’s Guild Wars sold extremely well in its first week.

NCsoft’s `Guild Wars’ off to a Fast Start

First Week of Sales Catapults Online Role-Playing Game to Top Of PC Entertainment Charts

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 16, 2005–NCsoft® Corporation (KSE:036570), the world’s leading developer and publisher of online computer games, is sitting atop the PC entertainment charts with “Guild Wars®,” the company’s recently released online role-playing game, from Bellevue, Washington-based ArenaNet®.

“Guild Wars” is a global online role-playing game (RPG) that allows people to play with anyone, anywhere, at any time and there’s no subscription fee required. “Guild Wars” immerses players in a colorful, robust and detailed online fantasy world where success is determined by player skill, not by the time spent playing.

According to retail numbers released by The NPD Group for the week ended April 30, “Guild Wars” stood as the number one product among PC Entertainment titles. “It’s been an immediate hit,” said Jack Beuttell, senior vice president of marketing and merchandising for GameStop Corp, one of the nation’s largest video game and entertainment software retailers. “At launch, `Guild Wars’ quickly became our top-selling product.”

The game, which launched April 28, has quickly become a hit amongst game reviewers. GameSpot gave “Guild Wars” an Editors’ Choice Award. GameSpot executive editor, Greg Kasavin, wrote, “It innovatively and successfully combines many of the best, most addictive properties of action RPGs, online RPGs, and competitive multiplayer games in one beautifully produced package. There’s never really been anything quite like it before.”

GameZone also awarded “Guild Wars” with an Editor’s Choice, calling the game, “A feast for the eyes.” 1UP editors said, “`Guild Wars’ redefines, going forward, what to expect from an online adventure.”

“Guild Wars” is now available at most major North American computer game retail outlets at an estimated retail price of US$49.99. No monthly subscription fee is required. A special Collector’s Edition featuring a hard-cover art book, Internet chat headset, “Guild Wars” soundtrack CD and other items is also available for an estimated retail price of US$69.99. The game is rated Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

About NCsoft North America

NCsoft – North America (NC-NA) is headquartered in Austin, Texas and is part of Korea-based NCsoft Corporation. NC-NA, with development and administrative offices in Texas and California, launched two ground-breaking titles in the first half of 2004, “Lineage® II” and “City of Heroes®” and “Guild Wars” in April of 2005. The company also works with NCsoft subsidiaries and third party developers throughout North America to develop and publish innovative online entertainment software products. More information about NCsoft – North America can be found at http://www.PlayNC.com.

About ArenaNet

ArenaNet, located in Bellevue, Washington, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NCsoft. ArenaNet has built a state-of-the-art, interactive game network and is developing premier multiplayer online games for dedicated game players. More information about ArenaNet can be found at www.arena.net.

NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo, “Guild Wars,” ArenaNet, “Lineage,” PlayNC, PlayNC.com and all associated NCsoft logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. “City of Heroes” is a registered trademark of Cryptic Studios, Inc. and NCsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.