New maps, new items, quests and dungeons available for CBT. Prominent national guilds signing up for CBT ROM

Pasay City, November 28 – IP e-Game Ventures Inc. (e-Games) starts today the Closed Beta test (CBT) period of the eagerly anticipated new MMORPG massively multiplayer online role-laying game) Runes of Magic. The event is to coincide with the Road to Domination IV, the biggest last quarter local gaming event of the year.

Developed by Taiwan-based Runewaker Entertainment, Runes of Magic is a new fantasy MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game), using a popular Western-style high-fantasy backdrop complete with heroic quests, crafting, incredible creatures and monsters to defeat. Runewaker, has put more than three years of development into the game.

Runes of Magic started its Alpha test period last month and the response from Alpha testers has been overwhelming. With the success of the Alpha test period, the CBT promises to give players a lot. There would be more in-game events, such as instance dungeons and the anticipated six-on-six player-versus-player tourneys.   The Closed beta test phase will include new maps, new weapons, skills, quests and instance dungeons.  

Registered users during CBT would immediately receive 1,000 Diamonds that they can use to buy improved weapons and armors, customize appearance, and purchase consumables in the newly opened item shop. Prominent guilds in the country have signed up and are very eager to play Runes of Magic, among them Armed and Loaded, the biggest gaming guild in Cebu, Armageddon and Fatality, well known guilds in Metro Manila.

ROM spreads like wildfire

Runes of Magic is currently sweeping North America and Europe. Since its mid-year release, the game has now more than two million registered users, with the numbers rising steadily everyday.

The reason for its apparent success lies on its unique and extremely immersive gameplay. Circling around the mystical world of Taborea, Runes of Magic incorporates intense action and character customization with loads of epic quests set in backdrops filled with stunning graphics, amazing creatures, and incredible monsters.

There are also instance dungeons scattered around Taborea, designed to challenge daring raid parties or even intrepid individuals. In order to survive these dingy and dangerous places, Runes of Magic offers the first real working MMO dual-class character system, with over 30 class combinations to select.  

Players immediately receive a virtual abode at the start, which they can opt to visit and redecorate after rendezvousing in the instance dungeons. Guild castles Otherwise, they can relax inside a guild castle where they can interact with their group to unwind, meet up, and plan for the next dungeon raid or war with another guild through the server-versus-server feature.  

As such, Runes of Magic has received numerous accolades, in spite of the comparisons it received with World of Warcraft (WoW). Wesley Yin-Poole of the Videogamer.com said that Runes of Magic contains elements that WoW does not and could consider adding.1 Daniel Etherington of Eurogame.net places Runes of Magic as something of a landmark. He explained that while it would not dislodge the subscription-based model in the West by any stretch of the imagination, the game does demonstrate that free-to-play does not necessarily mean rudimentary, shallow, cheap or brutal in the integration of real-money trading.2

Others give high regard to the gameplay. IGN.com’s Jimmy Thang states that the game is deep enough to appeal to hardcore veterans, yet is also flexible and addictive enough to appeal to casual fans.3 Freemmogamer.com ranks Runes of Magic as the best free-to-play MMORPG available, underline its absorbing storyline, vast number of quests, and action-filled adventure.4

Heidi Mendita-Garayblas, e-Games VP for MMO, believes that Runes of the Magic will revolutionize the local MMORPG scene, citing its high degree of character customization and unique gameplay brought by the dual class system. “The dual-class system gives a totally new game experience,” Mendita-Garayblas said. “It brings forth exciting PvP duels and monster raids. Afterwards, you can seek the comfort of your home or your guild castle and show off the spoils of victories.”

“Runes of Magic is here and it aims to break online gaming conventions,” e-Games COO Gil Edeza added. “With a big, immersive world, veteran and beginning players are in for a surprise. On top of it, it is free-to-play.”

References:
1 http://www.videogamer.com/pc/runes_of_magic/preview-1468.html
2 http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/runes-of-magic-review
3 http://pc.ign.com/articles/972/972267p1.html
4 http://www.freemmogamer.com/2008/09/mmorpg-free-to-play-top-10.html
 
About IP E-Games

IP E-Game Ventures, Inc. (IP E-Games), is a subsidiary of IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) that operates the online gaming business unit of the company. IP E-Games has the exclusive distribution rights to the #1 MMORPG RAN Online, #1 Casual Games O2Jam and Audition, Supreme Destiny and Presidential Award recipient Korean game Granado Espada. IP E-Games is ranked #1 online games publisher in the Philippines and holds the top three titles in the Philippines namely - RAN Online, #1 MMORPG plus O2Jam and Audition #1 rhythm and dance casual games, respectively. IP E-GAMES strategic minority investors include the Philippine Star Group, and E-Store Exchange (an affiliate of GMA7). For more information log on to: www.e-games.com.ph

L. Emir Samonte                                    Erica Cortez    
IP E-Game Ventures, Inc.                     IPVG Corp.
Tel – [632] 976 4784                             Tel No – [632] 976 4788
emir.samonte@ip-egames.com        erica.cortez@ipvg.com
    
Justine Bonilla
Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc.
Tel No – [632] 897 7088
justine.bonilla@dominguez.com.ph

e-Games’ newest online adventure game features cute avatars, arcade-style gameplay and dynamic combat system

November 28, 2009, SMX Convention Center – IP e-Game Ventures Inc., (e-Games), online game subsidiary of IPVG Corp, and publisher of the leading MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game) titles RAN Online and CABAL Online, is proud to announce its newest online adventure game, Dragonica.

Dragonica is more than just another MMOG. With RPG elements and an 8-way, side-scrolling system in full 3D, the gameplay is fun, intuitive and won’t be a hindrance even for first-time MMOG players. For advanced players, Dragonica also has a combo system wherein you can chain your attacks along with special skills to deliver added damage against your opponents. No matter which level you are in, Dragonica has something to keep you playing.

Dragonica has the following features

•    8-Way side-scrolling arcade-style system
•    Playable with either a computer keyboard or dedicated game pad
•    A total of 28 playable character classes
•    Easy to use game interface
•    Anime-style avatars and humorous skill animations
•    Upgradeable player housing system
•    Exciting instanced dungeons with epic boss monsters
•    Easy to enable PvP system which can hold up to 12 participants
•    Cute pets which can be mounted and used in battle
•    Fast-paced and action-oriented PvE and PvP battles

Gil Edeza, COO of e-Games, expressed his excitement over the launch of Dragonica in the Philippines. “Dragonica has the potential for bringing all kinds of gamers together in one game. Dragonica’s easy-to-use interface and gameplay system will appeal to casual gamers and first-time MMOG players, while the game’s RPG elements, combo system and PvP battles will be attractive to veteran players.”

Dragonica is being played by hundreds of thousands of players from Korea, China, Taiwan, Russia, U.S.A, Europe and Southeast Asia. Nominated as “The most anticipated game” by Gamespot Korea after the GStar 2007 convention, Dragonica is still gathering rave reviews from all over the world for its innovations in online gaming. Dragonica is developed by Barunson Interactive of Korea.

Mr. Luie Lee, CEO of Barunson Interactive, comments, “We are pleased to be partnering with IAHGames in Southeast Asia. With their expertise and experience, combined with IPeGames’ local market knowledge, we are confident that Dragonica will be a big hit in the Philippines.”
 
Heidi Mendita-Garayblas, Vice President for e-Games, said that Dragonica’s widespread appeal is rooted in its uniqueness. “Dragonica, though side-scrolling, is the first to use 3D graphics to enable more freedom of movement. With its humor and use of pop-culture references, it’s easy to have fun while playing this game.”

Road to Domination 4 will be the venue for Dragonica’s official launch in the Philippines. Aside from Dragonica’s launch, Road to Domination 4 will feature live tournaments and other gaming activities in preparation for e-Games’ 4th-year anniversary and gaming event Domination 4.

About Infocomm Asia Holdings Pte Ltd (IAHGames)

Headquartered in Singapore, IAHGames is a leading publisher, operator and distributor of interactive entertainment. The company currently operates award-winning titles including EA SPORTS™ FIFA Online 2, Granado Espada, Dragonica and distributes Take Two Interactive products such as Grand Theft Auto IV ™ and the NBA 2K® series.

One of the first online games companies in the world to receive ISO 9001:2000 certification for “Distribution and Operation of Online Games”, IAHGames executes a unique “One Market, One Asia” strategy that offers developers and publishers a one-stop distribution service for multiple countries. For more information, log on to http://www.IAHGames.com   

About IP e-Games

IP E-Game Ventures, Inc. (IP E-Games), is a subsidiary of IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) that operates the online gaming business unit of the company. IP E-Games has the exclusive distribution rights to the #1 MMORPG RAN Online, #1 Casual Games O2Jam and Audition, and Presidential Award recipient Korean game Granado Espada, the phenomenal sci-fi fantasy online game CABAL Online and most recently ZX Online: Journey to Immortality. IP E-Games is ranked #1 online games publisher in the Philippines and holds the top three titles in the Philippines namely - RAN Online, #1 MMORPG plus O2Jam and Audition #1 rhythm and dance casual games, respectively. For more information, log on to www.e-games.com.ph

The Next Step in the Evolution of the Garage Band!

November 28, 2009, Pasay City – X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play), the joint venture company of IP EGame Ventures Inc. (IP e-Games) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc., is proud to present the newest game in their line-up: Bandmaster. The unveiling happened at SMX Convention Center at Mall of Asia.

Developed by Dyson (Piper Games), Bandmaster presents a novel concept in online gaming. Each player can choose between 6 different instruments and battle with other players. Bandmaster’s gameplay is similar to popular music band games. Gamers will get to play in a concert-like atmosphere where each player will have to match the beats of their chosen instruments to render an outstanding musical performance. Bandmaster also provides better online community integrations and much more. What’s unique about Bandmaster is that it allows for actual garage or indie band setups and a unique social networking opportunity.

At its debut, Bandmaster will definitely have OPM songs. A wide array of different genres including rock, soul, alternative etc. are included in the list from which a player can play.

Ivee Feria Product Manager of Bandmaster explains, “We are very excited to introduce this game to the country. It is a novelty for its category and should offer unique opportunities to those who are musically inclined.”
 
The six different instruments offered in Bandmaster are: guitar, bass, synthesizer, piano, brass and drum. Each player can master one instrument and each instrument offers its own special ability to help in band battle. There are also several variations of the different instruments that offer a range of tonal and musical texture. The game supports both mp3 and midi music formats, allowing utilization of original created content.

The in-game features such as the game modes are geared to promote interaction between the artists. The list of game modes is as follows:

•    Practice Mode - Players can practice alone with the complete list of songs to choose from.
•    Note Charting Mode - Players can create their own music notes, all they need is to upload a song in midi format.
•    Concert Mode - Each player gets to choose a different instrument and jams together. All players must have a “Good” play rating for the concert to become a success, otherwise the concert fails and everyone is affected.
•    Versus Mode - Players get to compete using the same instrument. The player with the best performance wins
•    Community Mode - Players can freely roam around the world to get special quests from NPCs, meet friends, connect with bandmates, watch players jam, and even join in.

Other features of the game include the chat system which allows constant contact amongst band members. Bandmaster avatars can also be customized to complete the look of the group created within the game. Bandmaster has RPG elements as well. Within the Community Map, it is possible to accept missions from NPCs.

“Bandmaster should prove to be different from all the casual games that came before it. The degree of interaction required has the potential to create music without spending a single second in the recording studio. We expect the gamers will be thoroughly impressed,” Feria said.

George Royeca Chief Operating Officer of X-Play, is thrilled with launch of Bandmaster. “With the advent of technology, the music industry has evolved to a point where the artist can present their music directly to the public. Bandmaster takes this one step further, offering the opportunity to display artistic talent to their peers within a virtual setting.”

Bandmaster is set to go Alpha and Closed Beta Testing by next year.

Bandmaster will launch 1st quarter of 2010. For a sneak peek on Bandmaster, visit www.xplay.com.ph/bandmaster.  
 
About X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play)

X-Play Online Games Incorporated (X-Play) is a joint venture between IP E-Game Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games), the online gaming subsidiary of IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA-NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc. (PSE: GMA7) that is keen on revamping online casual gaming and bring it to even greater heights. It will focus on designing, operating and maintaining casual online gaming and casual online gaming-related portals. X-Play also aims at evolving and promoting casual online gaming and its digital content development, especially with the convergence of traditional and digital media through IP e-Games and GMA-NMI.

Editorial contacts:

Emir Samonte                                         Erica Cortez                                    
IP e-Game Ventures Inc.                       IPVG Corp.                                     
Tel – 976-4784                                        Tel – 976-4784     
emir.samonte@ip-egames.com         erica.cortez@ipvg.com
                    
Justine Bonilla
Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc.
Tel – 897 7088 / 890 3766
justine.bonilla@dominguez.com.ph

Commercial version features new maps, weapons and improved gameplay mechanic. National Tournament Grand finals held with P200,000 cash prize for winning team

SMX Convention Center, November 28, 2009 –  X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play), the joint venture company of IP e-Game Ventures Inc. (e-Games) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI), is proud to announce the commercial launch of  OP7, fastest growing MMOFPS (massively multiplayer online first person shooter) in the country.

This will happen at Road to Domination 4 (R2D4), the kickoff event for Domination 4, e-Games and X-Play’s biggest gaming event for 2010.

Developed by Korean game development company Mgame, OP7 is a new MMOFPS (massively multiplayer online first person shooter game), that offers the most action-packed and most realistic first person shooter game available online. The game has the most realistic ballistic physics meaning ricochet and gravity are to be considered when playing.

The commercial version will have the Dust map where the players can carry out pitched battles, this map was also used in the final tournament. The much-awaited Clan system will also be introduced in OP7.  This system aims to promote camaraderie and brotherhood. A clan which is composed of a team of at least 7 players can accumulate free in-game items by playing for a pre-determined number of hours. This is a significant addition, since strategy and tactics cannot be created by random non acquainted players. The social networking opportunities are presented by a unique need for players to cooperate in order to win.

The item pricing for EP acquired weaponry was also implemented to provide improved and better game balance.

George Royeca,  COO of X-Play, said that OP7’s new features will add to its massive acceptance by the FPS and casual gaming market. “That’s why it’s fastest growing MMOFPS in the country.”

The OP7 National Championship

Road to Domination 4 will also be the venue for the OP7 National Championship.  The winning team will take  home P200,000 in cash.

Leading up to the OP7 National Championship Tournament, X-Play held a series of daily OP7 tournaments in key internet cafés located throughout the country. Winning teams of the daily tournaments were rewarded up to P6,000 worth of in-game items, and the weekly winners get P5,000 cash as the bounty. Through the course of the tournaments, over 1 million pesos worth of cash and in-game prizes were given away.

One team from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and one slot for the wildcard, will compete at the National Championship. The wildcard match is to be held on the day itself, where 16 teams from NCR will battle it out for the remaining slot in the final four.

The final four elimination and championship rounds will be a series of best of three matches, where the team with the most kills in 3 minutes wins. The final tournament match was played on a brand new map which was featured in the patch presentation.

Sonny Carlos, OP7 Product Manager explains that, “the map Dust will be used for the grand finals to level the playing field in the final battle. We expect the winning team to win using skill and strategy, and this seemed like a good way to bring it out of them.”

Royeca added OP7 tournament is paving the way for online gamers to get the distinction of being called professional cyber athletes. “Online tournaments are becoming popular digital spectator sports. With these mass-appeal online games, X-Play is creating a whole new way of playing and watching online games.  “We’re crossing over from online to TV and we will come out with new initiatives to truly bring these two mediums together in an unprecedented way. And it’s all happening in 2010,” he said.

About X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play)

X-Play Online Games Incorporated (X-Play) is a joint venture between IP E-Game Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games), the online gaming subsidiary of IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA-NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc. (PSE: GMA7) that is keen on revamping online casual gaming and bring it to even greater heights. It will focus on designing, operating and maintaining casual online gaming and casual online gaming-related portals. X-Play also aims at evolving and promoting casual online gaming and its digital content development, especially with the convergence of traditional and digital media through IP e-Games and GMA-NMI.

About Mgame

Mgame Corp. is a Korea-based company engaged in the provision of online games through portal site, www.mgame.com. The Company mainly provides massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and others. The Company operates branch offices in the United States, Japan and China, and exports online games to Thailand, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. The Company also provides online advertising services.

Highlights commercial release of OP7, Audition Dance Battle’s 3rd year anniversary, and X-Play’s new rhythm game: BandMaster

November 28, Pasay City – X-Play Online Games Inc., (X-Play) the joint venture between IP e-Game Ventures Inc. (e-Games) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI), is pulling out all the stops to bring the best online games to casual gamers.

X-Play ended 2009 with a bang at Road to Domination IV (R2D4), the kickoff event to leading to annual gaming celebration Domination IV, which will be held on April 2010.

R2D4 is a whole-day gaming event held at the SMX Convention Center on November 28, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

OP7

At R2D4, X-Play announced the commercial release of OP7, its newest MMOFPS (massively multiplayer online first person shooter).

Developed by Korean game development company Mgame, OP7 offers the most realistic ballistic physics, an incredible variety of gun and avatar customizations as well as game play in world-renowned locales.

One of the highlights of R2D4 was the grand finals of the OP7 National Tournament Championships. The best teams from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR, will compete for P200,000 grand prize.

OP7 began closed beta testing last September and went on Open beta testing (OBT) phase last October.

The commercial version of OP7 will feature new maps, the best of which is the Dust Map which is closely based on De Dust, the most popular map of FPS game Counterstrike. It will also introduce the Clan System which promises to bring players to work more cohesively as a unit. Working as a clan will bring added benefits to members such as additional bounty for accumulated hours played and more.

The OP7 Commercial version will have better gameplay dynamics and there will be some adjustments to the Item Shop which was opened during the OBT.

Sonny Carlos, Product Manager for OP7, said that these new improvements and adjustments will make OP7 run better and provide an even more improved and balanced gameplay.

Audition Dance Battle

Aside from OP7, X-Play proudly celebrated the 3rd year anniversary of Audition Dance Battle, the leading online music dance game in the Philippines. Audition went commercial in November 2006 and since then has gathered some of the most loyal gamers in the online gaming industry.

Audition held several live activities and tournaments for its passionate gaming community during R2D4, including a mini-concert by GMA Kapuso star Rhian Ramos, the feature star for the Audition Dance Battle Album. The album showcased Rhian’s singing talent in the carrier single entitled “You”, which is one of the most popular in-game songs of Audition Dance Battle. Other Kapuso talents who performed with Rhian and R2D4 included Vaness Del Moral, Dominic Roco, plus pop singer Brenan.

Months before the release of the Audition Dance Battle Album in October 2009, one of the milestones of Audition Dance Battle was the SOP Celebrity Dance Battle, the first ever TV dance competition based on an online game. Aired during S.O.P., GMA7’s popular Sunday afternoon variety show, Kapuso stars became Celebrity “Audistas” (term used for Audition players) and performed dance moves inspired by the game, with the actual game graphics flashed on TV and the colorful Korean pop costumes of the contestants adapted from the Audition. After 4 weeks of battling it out on the hottest dance craze in television, the pair of Mark Herras and Chynna Ortaleza bested other Kapuso stars and was named the grand champion of Audition Celebrity Dance Battle.

X-Play’s newest title: BandMaster Online

X-Play is not stopping there. X-Play also announced that it bagged the exclusive rights to distribute and operate BandMaster in the Philippines. Developed by Dyson (Piper Games), Bandmaster presents a novel concept in online gaming as each player can choose between 6 different instruments and battle with other players.

Bandmaster’s gameplay is similar to popular music band games. Gamers will get to play in a concert-like atmosphere where each player will have to match the beats of their chosen instruments to render an outstanding musical performance. Bandmaster also provides better online community integrations and much more.

X-Play in 2010

X-Play will be launching more games in 2010 and with that new initiatives to bring online and TV together.

George Royeca, Chief Operating Officer of X-Play Online Games Inc., said they want to create the first digital spectator sport with a truly nationwide appeal. “It’s not just online FPS.  It’s BandMaster and its Audition and all the other new games we’re coming up with.  We’re telling them to live the dream all online gamers want. Play your best at online games and get paid big for it”

He also said that with these mass-appeal online games, X-Play is creating a whole new way of playing and watching online games.  “We’re crossing over from online to TV and we will come out with new initiatives to truly bring these two mediums together in an unprecedented way. And it’s all happening in 2010,” he said.

About X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play)

X-Play Online Games Incorporated (X-Play) is a joint venture between IP E-Game Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games), the online gaming subsidiary of IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA-NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc. (PSE: GMA7) that is keen on revamping online casual gaming and bring it to even greater heights. It will focus on designing, operating and maintaining casual online gaming and casual online gaming-related portals. X-Play also aims at evolving and promoting casual online gaming and its digital content development, especially with the convergence of traditional and digital media through IP e-Games and GMA-NMI.

Year-ender event will launch Runes of Magic CBT, Dragonica and RAN Calendar 2010

Pasay City, November 28 – IP e-Game Ventures Inc., (e-Games) the online gaming subsidiary of tech and communications conglomerate IPVG Corp, today held Road to Domination 4 (R2D4) at the SMX Convention Center at Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

R2D4 is the kickoff event for Domination 4, e-Games’ biggest gaming event for 2010. R2D4 will also be the year-ender gaming event for 2009 as it will launch several new e-Games titles, plus exciting projects for the coming year.

New games

R2D4 will be the launchpad for Dragonica, e-Games newest online adventure game. Dragonica, is a 3D side-scrolling MMO/Casual Game with 8-way movement, the only one of its kind so far.  e-Games has partnered with Infocomm Asia Holdings Pte Ltd to release and distribute Dragonica in the Philippines.

Gil Edeza, Chief Operating Officer of e-Games, also announced that Runes of Magic, its newest high-fantasy MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game), will start its closed beta testing today.

Runes of Magic, developed by Runewaker Entertainment, is set to redefine the standard for free-to-play titles.  ROM’s gameplay and features are similar to World of Warcraft (WOW), the most popular MMORPG in the world today.  But Runes of Magic has a more distinct Western style fantasy setting, and offers depth of play that caters to both casual and hardcore gamers.

Tournaments and freeplay activities

Aside from the game launches, each of the e-Games and X-Play titles had their own set of activities and tournaments. RAN Online, CABAL Online, ZX Online, Runes of Magic and even Dragonica held live tournaments, freeplay, and offline activities to engage their dedicated gaming communities. A total of 120 top-of-the-line PCs were available for freeplay and other activities.

On top of the tournaments, freeplay and activities, e-Games prepared a whole day of band performances and celebrity guest appearances.

The hottest bands such as Mayonnaise, Urbandub, Fastpitch will perform during R2D4. GMA Kapuso Star and Audition Dance Battle diva Rhian Ramos, sang her hit single from the Audition Dance Battle Album. GMA7 actress Iwa Moto was also present for the OP7 fashion show. Other GMA Kapuso celebrities present at R2D4 included Vaness Del Moral, Dominic Roco, and pop singer Brennan.

e-Games also launched the RAN Calendar Girl 2010 which will feature beautiful female gamers of RAN Online, the no.1 campus-based MMORPG in the country today.

Ed Pasion, e-Games VP for Marketing  said that Road to Domination 4 is their way of  saying Thank You to e-Gamers. “2009 was great in spite of the fact that the whole country suffered from typhoons. We’re promising our whole community that 2010 will be better and brighter for them. The 10 million strong e-Games community continues to grow every year and their continued dedication and loyalty to e-Games and X-Play, inspires us to give them the best online gaming events and the best gaming experience.”
 
For more information, log onto http://r2d4.e-games.com.ph
 
About IP E-Games:

IP E-Game Ventures, Inc. (IP E-Games), is a subsidiary of IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) that operates the online gaming business unit of the company. IP E-Games has the exclusive distribution rights to the #1 MMORPG RAN Online, #1 Casual Games O2Jam and Audition, Supreme Destiny and Presidential Award recipient Korean game Granado Espada. IP E-Games is ranked #1 online games publisher in the Philippines and holds the top three titles in the Philippines namely - RAN Online, #1 MMORPG plus O2Jam and Audition #1 rhythm and dance casual games, respectively. IP E-GAMES strategic minority investors include the Philippine Star Group, and E-Store Exchange (an affiliate of GMA7). For more information log on to: www.e-games.com.ph

About X-Play:

X-Play Online Games Incorporated (X-Play) is a joint venture between IP E-Game Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games), the online gaming subsidiary of IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA-NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc. (PSE: GMA7) that is keen on revamping online casual gaming to even greater heights. It will focus on designing, operating and maintaining casual online gaming and casual online gaming-related portals.  X-Play also aims at evolving and promoting casual online gaming and its digital content development, especially with the convergence of traditional and digital media through IP e-Games and GMA-NMI.  The popular dance casual game, Audition Dance Battle, and the music rhythm game, O2Jam, are the first games to be included in this joint venture.

Editorial Contacts:

L. Emir Samonte                                    Erica Cortez
IP E-Game Ventures, Inc.                     IPVG Corp.
Tel – [632] 976 4784                             Tel No – [632] 976 4788
emir.samonte@ip-egames.com        erica.cortez@ipvg.com
    
Justine Bonilla
Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc.
Tel No – [632] 897 7088
justine.bonilla@dominguez.com.ph

Makati City, Philippines; 26 November 2009 --- Technology firm IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) disclosed its unaudited earnings report based on its year-to-date (YTD) and third quarter performance for the period ending September 30, 2009.

For the first nine months of 2009, IPVG’s consolidated gross revenue reached PhP 1.01 Billion, a 16% decrease from PhP 1.2 Billion in the same period of 2008.

The decline was due to the effects of the slowdown in the global economy. This dampened the Company`s revenue growth and resulted in minor customer churn. Enrique Y. Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of IPVG Corp. commented: "We are now seeing signs of a recovery as our customer acquisition and new revenue growth outpaces negative churn, and thus we are starting to experience overall growth again in our major lines of business." The Company implemented a strategic decision to focus on core assets by channeling funds to the growing businesses such as IPVG’s managed data services and business solutions unit IP-Converge Data Center Inc. (IP-Converge); online gaming subsidiary IP E-Games Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games); and internet security group Prolexic Technologies.  

This decision resulted in the sale of interests in IP Converge Pte. Ltd. In Singapore, which serves as the counterpart of IP-Converge in the said city-state, as well as the sale of interests in BPO Teleservices Inc., a leading player in the Philippines’ business process outsourcing industry which operates two contact centers in Manila providing services to US companies. The reduction was also partially offset by strategic undertakings pertaining to its Gameplay and Content segment.

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) for the first nine months was PhP 53.4 Million, with Operating Expenses at PhP 525.1 Million. The group recorded its first Net Loss after a string of successive quarterly gains during the third quarter, due to the one-time recognition of loss from the sale of its Singapore Data Center, in the amount of PhP 200 Million.

"IPVG registered a negative net income due to a one-time charge of PhP 200M in the 3rd quarter due to the sale of our data center in Singapore. This is the last of our assets which we have decided to write-down as we clean up our balance sheet from investments made prior to the global financial crises," says Gonzalez.

IPVG’s consolidated gross revenue in the third quarter of 2009 amounted to PhP 343.6 Million, an 18% decline from PhP 420.1 Million in the comparable period in 2008.

"Our operating income (EBITDA) continues to be healthy and we expect improved performance moving into Q4 and certainly 2010. We have now reached the tail end of our overall restructuring plan and we look forward to delivering improved numbers to our shareholders," Gonzalez says.

Business Segment Performance

IPVG’s Communications segment is composed of IP-Converge and Prolexic Technologies, whose total service revenue amounted to 77% of the IPVG Group of Companies’ total revenue. Year-on-year, the Communications segment’s revenue increased by PhP 105.8 Million or 14% mainly due to growth in Mitigation, Business/IT Solutions, and Co-location businesses. IP-Converge and Prolexic Technologies is expected to continue driving growth in this segment after the sale of Singapore data center business IP Converge Pte. Ltd.

The Content segment of IPVG is comprised of IP E-Games and Megamobile, the Group’s mobile communications unit. Content’s combined revenues for the first nine months of 2009 amounted to PhP 203.5 Million, contributing 20% to the IPVG Group of Companies’ total revenue. IP E-Games posted PhP 192.2 Million of gameplay revenues from its Massively Multiplayer Role Playing Game (MMORPG) titles and in-game advertising campaigns, while revenues from casual games are not included into the company after it embarked on a strategic joint venture partnership with GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI) to form X-Play Online Games Inc. Megamobile contributed PhP 10.3 Million in Value Added Services which came from its Community, Content, Messaging Services, & other projects.

IPVG’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) segment was affected by the Parent`s divestment decision. Majority of shares in BPO Teleservices were sold leading to a reduced ownership of 23.06%. IPVG sold majority of its interest in its BPO business to PCCW for $22 Million USD. The transaction was completed in the 4th Quarter.

Q3 2009 Highlights

Highlights in the third quarter ending September 30, 2009 included the following:

Communications

- IP-Converge sealed a deal with Prudential Vietnam Finance Co. Ltd. (Prudential Finance), one of Vietnam’s leading consumer finance companies, to rollout Salesforce.com in Vietnam, which will reportedly be the largest Salesforce.com deployment in Southeast Asia.

- IP-Converge unveiled its Business Continuity facility, a new disaster-recovery solutions for new and existing clients which leverages on IP Converge’s existing state-of-the-art data center infrastructure and redundant IP network which guarantees continuous power, cooling, and Internet connectivity even in the event of a disaster. The unveiling is also apparently timely, in the wake of recent typhoons which left scores of businesses unable to operate due to power outages.

Content

- IP E-Games secured an Investment Agreement with GEM Global Yield Fund Limited (GEM), wherein the former grants GEM to purchase shares in E-Games for up to an aggregate value of Five Hundred Million Pesos (PhP 500,000,000.00) or Ten Million US Dollars (US$10,000,000). The funding will be used for E-Games’ future business activities and engagements.

- IP E-Games partnered with Tahadi Games for the Philippine release of Runes of Magic, a new fantasy MMORPG developed by Taiwan-based Runewaker Entertainment with all the standard features of some of today’s top-paid, premium MMORPG titles, yet this online game will be published under the Free-to-Play business model.

- X-Play, the joint venture company of E-Games and GMA NMI, tied up with South Korean game development company MGame to introduce Operation 7, the latest Massively Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter (MMOFPS) game in the country. The game will be customized to feature Philippine sites such as the EDSA Shrine, as well as places in Visayas and Mindanao.

Year-ender event will launch new games, RAN Calendar 2010,Audition’s 3rd anniversary and grand draw of P1,000,000 e-Gamer Millionaire promo

Makati City, November 20, 2009 – IP e-Game Ventures Inc., (e-Games) the online gaming subsidiary of tech and communications conglomerate  IPVG Corp, is set to hold Road to Domination 4, the kickoff event for Domination 4, its biggest gaming event for 2010. This will happen this November 28 at the SMX Convention Center,  near SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Road to Domination 4 (R2D4), will also be the year-ended gaming event for 2009 as it will launch several new e-Games and X-Play Online Games Inc (X-Play)  titles and more.

New games

Gil Edeza, COO of e-Games, said that e-Games is set to announce the start of the closed Beta testing of Runes of Magic, its newest high-fantasy MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game). Runes of Magic, developed by Runewaker Entertainment, is  set to redefine the standard for free-to-play titles.

ROM’s gameplay and features are similar to World of Warcraft (WOW), the most popular MMORPG in the world today.  But Runes of Magic has a more distinct Western style fantasy setting, and offers depth of play that caters to both casual and hardcore gamers.

R2D4 will also be the launchpad for Dragonica,  e-Games newest online adventure game. Dragonica,  is a 3D side-scrolling MMO/Casual Game with 8-way movement, the only one of its kind so far.  e-Games has partnered with Infocomm Asia Holdings Pte Ltd to release and distribute Dragonica in the Philippines.

X-Play, the joint venture between e-Games and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA-NMI), will also announce the commercial release of OP7, its newest massively multiplayer online first person shooter (MMOFPS).

 X-Play is also set to announce new games at the event as well.

Aside from launching new games, X-Play will also celebrate Audition Dance Battle’s 3rd year anniversary.  Audition Dance Battle, the no.1 online music dance game went commercial in November 2006. X-Play will hold several live activities and tournaments for its passionate gaming community.

The first e-Gamer Millionaire and RAN Calendar 2010 launch
 
Road to Domination 4 will also be the event where the first e-Gamer Millionaire will be known. Launched last April at Domination 3, the e-Gamer Millionaire Contest sought to reward e-Games players who buy e-Games EP cards to play their favorite e-Games titles.  Every month since April, e-Games has drawn winners of 500 EP cards and 10,000 worth of EP cards.

The grand draw which will happen at R2D4 will  reward one very lucky e-Gamer with Php1,000,000, the first such online game player to win such a huge amount.

e-Games will also launch the RAN Calendar Girl 2010 which will feature beautiful female gamers of RAN Online, the no.1 campus-based MMORPG in the country today.

Tournaments and freeplay activities

Aside from the game launches, each of the e-Games and X-Play titles have their own set of activities and tournaments. RAN Online, CABAL Online, ZX Online, Audition Dance Battle, Runes of Magic and even Dragonica will have their live tournaments, freeplay, and offline activities to engage their dedicated gaming communities. A total of 120 top-of-the-line PCs will be made available for freeplay and other activities.

OP7 launched its National Tournament this month and will be holding its Grand finals at R2D4.  The best  team from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR, will compete on the November 28 championship. Up to half a million pesos worth of cash and in-game prizes were given away throughout the month of November. The team to win the OP7 National Tournament Grand Finals will take home P200,000 in cash.

On top of the tournaments, freeplay and activities,  e-Games and X-Play have prepared a whole day of band performances and  celebrity guest appearances.

The hottest bands such as Mayonnaise, Urbandub, Fastpitch will perform during R2D4. Rhian Ramos, the GMA Kapuso Star, will sing her hit single from the Audition Album and Iwa Moto will also be on hand for the OP7 fashion show. More GMA Kapuso celebrities will make an appearance as well.

Ed Pasion, e-Games VP for Marketing  said that Road to Domination 4 is  their way of  saying Thank You to  e-Gamers. “2009 was great in spite of the fact that the whole country suffered from typhoons.  We’re promising our whole community that 2010 will be better and brighter for them.  The 10 million strong e-Games community continues to grow every year and their continued dedication and loyalty to e-Games and X-Play, inspires us to give them the best online gaming events and the best gaming experience.”

For more information, log onto http://r2d4.e-games.com.ph.

Upload your entries in www.mobilextreme.ph  
    
November 7, 2009 - IPVG Corp., in partnership with the Ayala Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and GlobeLabs have launched MobileXtreme! The Big Apps Competition, a nationwide search for the most innovative mobile applications.

The competition is spearheaded by IPVG, Ayala Technology Business Incubator, GlobeLabs and MegaMobile Inc., the mobile communications business unit of IPVG. MegaMobile is the mobile service partner of content providers and communities which include some of the biggest names in the publishing, online gaming, music and entertainment industries.

As an aggregator, MegaMobile welcomes mobile concepts and developed products (preferably the latter) for applications that run on the Java (J2ME) platform. The competition will be facilitated through an official web-based portal where contestants can upload their entries, which can consist of applications under the following categories:

Category 1: Games and Entertainment
- Entertainment, fun and games

Category 2: Enterprise and Productivity
- Enterprise and productivity solutions; applications that address business needs as well as home and work productivity needs of individuals

Category 3: Cause-oriented
- Cause-oriented applications, news and public service, applications that address needs of underserved and marginal sectors of society (ex: farmers, fishermen)

The competition will present a chance for developers to showcase original applications.  The best entries will receive infrastructure support from IPVG to help develop their ideas into full blown commercial products, plus a chance to have their products launched commercially through IPVG and MegaMobile. Category winners will also receive a bonus cash prize of Php 50,000 each.

MobileXtreme! Opening Forum

To kick off the competition and issue the official call for entries, a one-day free-admission conference dubbed as MobileXtreme! The Big Apps Competition - Opening Forum will be held today, November 7, 2009, at the UP-AyalaLand TechnoHub Conference Room in Quezon City, from 1PM to 6 PM.

Speakers will include IPVG President and CEO Enrique Y. Gonzalez, MegaMobile President Manny Fernando, Ayala Foundation Executive Vice President Bill Luz, Ayala TBI Director Dickie Gonzalez, and representatives from the IT industry such as Gabby K. Dizon from the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), and Sherwin Sowy, Head – Future Applications, GlobeLabs.

Potential contestants can learn firsthand what the board of judges will be looking for in the entries and what the experts’ insights are on current and emerging mobile trends.

Upload your entries at the official MobileXtreme portal!

Entries can be uploaded at www.mobilextreme.ph, where online learning materials, discussions, and forums will be held simultaneously during the competition period, which will run from November 2009 to February 2010. Deadline for submission of entries will be on January 10, 2010.

Everyone can go Xtreme! Even without joining the competition, you can still be part of MobileXtreme! by joining the forums and taking part in on-going discussions on what’s hot and current in mobile applications.  Members of the forum can link up with Xtreme! Mobile’s Mentors and get advice on how to get your developer career going.

Finalists will be invited to the MobileXtreme! Awards Night – Open Tech Party to be held on February 26, 2010 at the main lobby of the UP-AyalaLand TechnoHub in Quezon City. Participants and industry leaders will discover the hidden talents who will win the MobileXtreme! Big Apps Competition.

For details and to learn more about the organizers, visit www.ayalatbi.org, www.ipvg.com, or www.mymegamobile.com. To learn more about GlobeLabs, visit www.globelabs.com.ph.

For inquiries, email innovation@ayalafoundation.org or call 752-1267.  

Go Xtreme with us! See you there!

Makati City, 05 November 2009 -- IP Converge Data Center, Inc., the information technology & telecommunications division of publicly listed IPVG Corp. (PSE:IP) and Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc. have entered into a strategic tie-up that brings the most complete fleet management system to the Philippine and South East Asian market.

Under the partnership, IP Converge brings together Convoy FMS and Geodata’s ArcLogistics and Archibus to create a comprehensive, end-to-end fleet management solution that outperforms existing fleet management systems in the marketplace.

“This partnership combines world-class fleet management solutions in Convoy FMS, ArcLogistics and Archibus that address the deficiencies of other fleet management systems. Beyond tracking vehicles, the collective solution expands management’s ability to set and enforce protocols for vehicle users and optimizes fleet utilization to save on overhead and contribute to the bottom-line,” says IP-Converge President, Reynaldo Huergas.

Convoy FMS is a web-based, user-friendly GPS fleet management system developed by Lazer Technology Solutions that uses Google Maps as a platform. Convoy FMS delivers detailed information on a vehicle’s activities to a laptop or web-enabled mobile device in real time. The solution has nationwide coverage and two-way communication is done between a device installed in the vehicle and the end-user through GPRS (General Packet Radio Service).

IP-Converge was recently appointed by LazerTech as the exclusive distributor of Convoy FMS in the South East Asian region. The Miami-based IT solutions and applications development company chose IP-Converge for its robust sales force and its proven track record in advancing web-based applications in the Philippine market. LazerTech’s fleet management system has several thousands of licenses issued with installations in ten countries spanning 5 continents.

ArcLogistics is a stand-alone management application created by Environment Systems Research Institute, a global leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping solutions. The application is designed to solve vehicle routing and scheduling problems and set the optimum routes to maintain efficient use of resources such as time and fuel. ArcLogistics is dynamic and adjusts as problems or roadblocks arise ensuring that deliveries arrive on time and customer satisfaction is preserved.

Archibus Fleet Management, a product of total Infrastructure and Facilities Management Solutions company, Archibus, based in Boston, Massachusetts, maintains an organization`s fleet of mobile assets and is crucial to the safety and efficiency of fleet operations. Through Archibus, fleet managers can optimize utilization and performance of fleet assets by tracking every vehicle`s usage, availability and maintenance schedules. This information improves management’s ability to control costs and assign resources.

“IP-Converge’s vision for this fleet management product is compatible with ours and we look forward to working closely with them in identifying growth opportunities and achieving a high rate of adoption across markets.  The Philippines and other South East Asian countries have robust and resilient economies and this partnership illustrates an opportunity to help companies better manage their fleet assets and enable them to drive their business and be more competitive in their respective niches,” says John Morales, Senior Vice President of Geodata Systems Technologies.

IP-Converge is a regional data center whose core competency is managed data services particularly server co-location, connectivity solutions, and network security. IPC is also one of the Philippines’ leading business solutions and services providers, promoting Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc. is an information technology company focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping solutions and GIS ready data products.

About IP-Converge

IP-Converge is an Information Technology & Telecommunications (IT&T) company, providing a wide array of managed data services and business solutions at international standards. An ISO 9001:2000 Certified company, IP-Converge currently operates carrier-neutral, telco-grade Internet Data Center and network facilities in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and provides a variety of business solutions and services to local and international enterprises.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of publicly listed IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP), the foundation of the company`s business is centered on customer satisfaction through high-quality, on time delivery and through a personalized, "boutique" approach to clients. For more information, visit www.ip-converge.com.  

About Geodata

Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc. is an information technology company focused on Geographic
Information System (GIS) and mapping solutions, and GIS ready data products. It is the Sole Philippine distributor of GIS software from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), the global leader in GIS software industry.
18 years in the GIS business since Feb. 1991, the premier GIS company in the Philippines with over 300 user groups. Geodata provides the best-of-breed spatial technologies as exclusive distributor of ESRI, DigitalGlobe, Trimble and ITT VIS. Main business is (1) to develop, promote, distribute & market technologies for the integration analysis, management, communication, dissemination and utilization of spatial, statistical & other digital databases; (2) provides consultancy, training & data services interfacing technologies and methods for resource and environmental surveys, mapping, assessments, planning and management; (3) produce, distribute and market value added products from remote sensing, imageries, photography, videos, GIS databases, maps and related information for domestic & international use. For further information, visit www.geodata.com.ph or email at info@geodata.com.ph


Press Contact:

Niño Valmonte
Marketing Manager, IP-Converge
9764784 ext. 4213
nino.valmonte@ip-converge.com

Cash and in-game item prizes to be won for the daily, weekly, and grand tournaments to be held starting first week of November.

Makati City, November 4, 2009 – X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play), the joint venture company of IP e-Game Ventures Inc. (IP e-Games) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc., is proud to announce its first OP7 National Tournament Championship. This will be held on November 28, 2009, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Leading up to the OP7 Nationwide Tournament Championship, X-Play will hold a series of daily OP7 tournaments in key internet cafés located throughout the country to scout for the best FPS players. The tournament will start this first week of November.  Winning teams of the daily tournaments will be rewarded up to P6,000 worth of in-game items, while the regional winners get P10,000 cash for their team.

The best team from each of the four major areas—Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR, will compete on the November 28 championship. The team representative for the National Capital Region (NCR) will be determined via a wildcard match to be held on the day itself, where 16 teams from NCR will battle it out for the remaining slot in the final four.

The final four elimination and championship rounds will be a series of best of three matches, where the team with the most kills in 3 minutes wins.

Up to half a million pesos worth of cash and in-game prizes will be given away throughout the tournaments.

The team to win the OP7 National Tournament grand finals gets to take home P200,000.

Tournament match schedules and venues will be posted online through the OP7 website at http://www.op7.com.ph.

George Royeca, Chief Operating Officer of X-Play Online Games, Inc., envisioned the OP7 National Tournament as the start of a new era for Philippine online gaming, where a new breed of athletes is born. “We are taking multiplayer online gaming to a different level—a level where it becomes a legitimate and professional sport. This is already being done overseas, and Filipino gamers are as competitive and professional as any cyber athlete can be.”

= = =

About X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play)

X-Play Online Games Incorporated (X-Play) is a joint venture between IP E-Game Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games), the online gaming subsidiary of IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA-NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc. (PSE: GMA7) that is keen on revamping online casual gaming and bring it to even greater heights. It will focus on designing, operating and maintaining casual online gaming and casual online gaming-related portals. X-Play also aims at evolving and promoting casual online gaming and its digital content development, especially with the convergence of traditional and digital media through IP e-Games and GMA-NMI.

= = =

Editorial contacts:

Emir Samonte                                      Erica Cortez                                    
IP e-Game Ventures Inc.                    IPVG Corp.                                     
Tel – 976-4784                                    Tel – 976-4784     
emir.samonte@ip-egames.com     erica.cortez@ipvg.com
                  
Justine Bonilla
Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc.
Tel – 897 7088 / 890 3766
justine.bonilla@dominguez.com.ph