nhn posts

Even though Epic Games continues to sell its latest game graphics technology Unreal Engine 3 to third party developers, its previous Unreal Engine 2.5 also continues to get customers.BioShock and its sequel are based on Unreal Engine 2.5 and 2009's surprise hit Killing Floor is also based on the older version.

This week Unreal Engine 2.5 got another license as the Korean based NHNGames announced they will use the engine as the basis for their latest free-to-play shooter Battle Territory (BATTERY). The game, which takes place in a near-future Earth, will go into beta testing in Korea later this month and will officially launch in the second half of this year. We suspect the game will find its way to US shores before too long via NHN USA's ijji.com portal.

Some of you may remember that back in February, NHN USA and its portal site ijji.com announced a contest that would let its users give suggestions for a name that would be used as the official title for an upcoming sci-fi themed free-to-play first person shooter. Today Big Download has the honor of officially announcing the name that was picked for the game.

As submitted by ijji.com member "[A]staroth-" the name of the game will now be Genesis A.D. "[A]staroth-" will get a gaming PC from iBuyPower for his winning game title. The game itself is set in Earth's future where massive global warming is causing the polar ice caps to melt. As a result, the dry land masses on the planet are getting scarce, along with access to resources. The Earth Environment Protection Organization is formed by the Earth's leaders. Its military force goes after any factions that stand in the way of trying to protect what remains of Earth.

There's still no word yet on when Genesis A.D. will officially launch on ijji.com. In the meantime, check out a new teaser trailer for the game after the jump:

In honor of NHN USA Inc.'s two-year anniversary, the developer of free-to-play online titles has announced a series of summer promotions as a way to say "thank you" to its fans.

"NHN USA wants to thank all of the loyal fans who have made ijji.com and its games a remarkable success over the past two years," said Whon Namkoong, CEO, NHN USA. "ijji.com is the destination of choice for millions of hardcore and casual online gamers in North America, helping NHN USA emerge as a premier and respected online entertainment publisher. Looking ahead, we plan to continue offering our gamers new content, promotions and exciting adventures for the current games, while bringing even more unique, free-to-play games to ijji.com."

GUNS, a third-person online action game, will host a tournament for the game's top 32 clans. A qualifying period runs through this Sunday, 7/13, with matches taking place in on July 19, 26, and 27. A non-tournament bracket will also be available. Both brackets will award winners with prizes. Additionally, a player creation system contest has also been planned for GUNZ, with the 10 winning submissions receive a multitude of prizes.

Gunbound Revolution, a multiplayer turn-based shooter, is also a recipient of NHN's anniversary blowout. According to IGN, the game will receive:


Visit ijji.com to learn more.

Codemasters Online has announced ArchLord, its subscription-free MMORPG, has reached a landmark 500,000 players.

In the game, players are challenged to raise an army to become the universe's ultimate ruler, the ArchLord. Originally a subscription based fantasy adventure, the NHN Corporation developed title switched to a free-play model in August 2007 and has seen significant growth since.

"ArchLord is a premier free-to-play MMORPG offering significantly more depth and quality than most other free-to-play games," commented Ed Relf, director of marketing for Codemasters Online. "This recent achievement solidifies our commitment to the ongoing development and success of the game."

With the announcement Codemasters Online also reaffirmed that ArchLord: Episode 3, the upcoming free content update for ArchLord, is expected to release later this year.

Download the free-to-play client for Archlord from Big Download today!

[via IGN]