Following a very profitable year for NCsoft, the Korean based developer has inked a deal with casual games developer PopCap games to launch an online-based multiplayer social gaming platform in Korea, sometime later this year.
The project has been given to PopCap’s Shanghai studio, and will be introduced as PopCap World. NCsoft will be responsible for operating the service. The service will be free to register with, but premium options will be introduced as the service grows. Games such as Bejeweled, Plants Vs. Zombies and Zuma have all been confirmed for release through PopCap World.
"When Disneyland first opened, it revolutionized the amusement park industry and ushered in the era of the modern theme park. In the same way, we believe PopCap World has the potential to redefine casual games in Korea and beyond by offering players the most immersive PopCap experience yet," said PopCap's Asia and Pacific vice president, James Gwertzman.
"We are very excited about our partnership with NCsoft – their formidable presence in the online market combined with PopCap's leadership in the casual and social spaces makes for an interesting recipe that we look forward to serving up to players in Korea – and beyond."
Though NCsoft has traditionally stayed in the MMO sector, vice president of web business Mr. Whang believes that this new deal is a positive for both companies.
"We look forward to a successful launch, and to opening up this new world of fun to both our existing Korean users, as well as a whole new audience for whom this may well be their first online game."
