40,000 gamers open accounts within one week of closed beta launch
TORONTO, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - SilverBirch Inc. (TSX-V:SVB) and G4Box Inc. announced today that over 40,000 gamers have registered for user accounts to their highly anticipated online game, Cross Fire, since the closed beta launched on November 7th. Cross Fire (www.crossfire-en.com) is an award-winning, free-to-play, online military first-person shooter game for PCs. The closed beta is the first phase towards the full commercial launch of the game, targeted for January 2009.
"Cross Fire is a tremendously exciting online FPS game with fast-paced action, superb graphics and compelling features. Already a proven winner with millions of players in Asia, Cross Fire sets a new standard in online games. I am confident that once English-speaking gamers have played CrossFire, its popularity will continue to spread." said Kevin Astle, Interim President and CEO of SilverBirch.
"The closed beta version of Cross Fire has been extremely well-received by gamers," said Howard He, CEO of G4 Box Inc., co-publishing partner for Cross Fire. "In fact, we were compelled to double the number of closed beta keys in an effort to partially satisfy the overwhelming demand for the game."
SilverBirch and G4Box hold the English-language rights to Cross Fire in North America and the UK, and hold further rights to the game in Europe. Cross Fire is already a runaway hit in Asia, where it has achieved tens of millions of registered players.
Revenue opportunities are generated through Cross Fire's in-game item shop, where players can customize their character's equipment and appearance by making online purchases. The game's English-language version is expected to begin generating revenue shortly after the commercial launch in January 2009. Cross Fire is part of the worldwide online game market forecasted by DFC Intelligence to grow from US$3.4 billion in 2005 to over US$13 billion in 2011. Much of that growth will be derived from MMOG (massive multiplayer online games).
About Cross Fire
Cross Fire features two mercenary forces locked in a global struggle. Players assume the role of either a Black List terrorist or Global Risk mercenary, and then join an online team that must work together to complete objective-based scenarios.
Cross Fire features high-quality visuals, gritty combat, fast-paced action and includes:
- Four game play modes: Team Match, Team Death Match, Annihilation
Match, and the all-new Ghost Match.
- Support for 16-player online multiplayer across 15+ maps.
- Military-ranking system: players earn experience points and
achievements which allow them to level-up through different military
ranks and unlock exclusive items and equipment.
- Robust player customization: personalize your in-game character with
numerous items, weapons, and equipment.
- Integrated friends lists and clan formation.
About SilverBirch Inc.
Toronto-based SilverBirch Inc. is a leading digital entertainment company operating in the fastest growing sectors of the video game market. The Company's video game operations include SilverBirch Studios, a video game developer; Red Mile Entertainment(x), a San Francisco based publisher of console games such as Heroes Over Europe and the exclusive worldwide license holder for Sin City; Lighthouse Interactive, a Netherlands-based publisher of PC games; and a co-venture with G4Box Inc. to operate licensed English language online multiplayer games. For more information see www.silverbirchinc.com.
About G4Box Inc.
G4Box was founded in September 2004 in Markham, Ont. Its primary business is in the distribution of MMORPG games. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of 568 Network Inc., a Markham based developer, publisher and distributor of games that also partners with CryptoLogic Inc. in online casino and poker games for the Chinese market. For more information on G4Box, please visit www.g4box.com.
(x)The acquisition of Red Mile Entertainment is expected to close in early 2009, subject to shareholder, legal and regulatory approvals.
The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.
Forward-Looking Statements - Certain information set forth in this news release, including management's assessment of future plans, contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond management's control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, and currency fluctuations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
%SEDAR: 00020946E