Rift is Heading to China

There’s no indication of when, exactly, it’s going to happen, but this press release outlines an inked deal between Trion Worlds and Shanda Games to bring Rift to China.  Shanda Games will be handling all localization and distribution efforts, according to the announcement:

TRION WORLDS AND CHINESE ONLINE GIANT SHANDA GAMES TEAM UP TO MAKE HISTORY, BRING RIFT TO CHINA

Success of Award-Winning First Title Rift Drives Accelerated Growth in Global Markets

REDWOOD SHORES, CA Feb. 9, 2012 Trion Worlds, the leading publisher and developer of premium games for the connected era, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Shanda Games, a top Chinese Internet company, to release the award-winning title, Riftâ„¢ in China. The broad-scope relationship will grant Shanda an exclusive license for Rift localized in Chinese/Mandarin, and set a new bar for Western-developed games provided in the East.

(Our collaboration with Shanda is a huge step for Western premium games in China and we are proud Trion is at the forefront, setting the standard once again,) Lars Buttler, Founder and CEO, Trion Worlds, said. (The appetite for great, new original game experiences like Rift, that disrupt the existing paradigm of traditional gaming, is universal.  Shanda, with proven track record of localizing and delivering content, is the best publisher for Trion to offer gamers in Mainland China an authentic Rift experience.)

Trion’s accelerated expansion to Asia follows the unparalleled success of Rift since launching last March.  As recently reported, the company saw more than a million active accounts in just four months and North American and European revenues of more than $100 million.  Rift’s swift success proves gamers are embracing original, high-quality new properties and rich, dynamic game experiences built from the ground up for the new generation of online gaming.

(We are delighted to bring Rift, Trion Worlds’ much-acclaimed award-winning title, to China,) said Mr. Alan Tan, Chairman and CEO of Shanda Games. (Rift offers an adventurous online world with fantastic dynamic content and stunning graphics and has attracted many devoted fans worldwide. Based on our experience and expertise in the China market, we are excited about the upcoming launch of RIFT to our broad gamer audience and are confident in the success of Rift in the China market.)

The Shanda partnership showcases Trion’s commitment to a global premium online games business that defines the future of games.  Today’s announcement follows Trion’s updates of a $85 million round of strategic growth equity financing, and the company’s plans to launch an initiative which comprises both a consumer platform and a full-scale publishing and development platform, code-named Red Door, later this year.

More details regarding the launch of Rift in mainland China, including launch timing will be announced at a later date. For more information on Rift, log onto www.riftgame.com.