In September 2009, NCsoft launched its long awaited fantasy MMO Aion to the US and European territories (it had previously launched at NCsoft native Korea). While the game sold well out of the box it has apparently lost much of its subscriber base since then. NCsoft plans to re-release Aion to retail stores in September in a new edition that will include content from an upcoming expansion pack.

The expansion is called Aion: Assault on Balaurea and will feature new and updated zones along with new skills, weapons and items, an increase in the game's level cap and more. The expansion pack will be released for free to current Aion subscribers. The new retail version of the game with the expansion willl be released in the US on September 7 and in Europe on September 10. The retail version will include some exclusive in-game pets.