NCsoft, developer of the blockbuster online game Lineage, and Intel’s Korean unit said yesterday they will work together to develop and market online games to gain an edge in the increasingly competitive business.

In a press conference at Seoul’s Inter-Continental Hotel, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to optimize future NCsoft products, including the new version of Lineage, for use on Intel’s microprocessors.

``Online gamers will be able to experience better play with more detailed graphics, more realistic environments and improved frame rates, when maximized to perform on Pentium 4 processor platforms,’’ according to a statement the two companies released.

Through the tie-up, the two companies will conduct joint marketing campaigns such as promotions for NCsoft’s some 2.5 million subscribers, the upgrading of services at Internet cafes, advertising and joint trade shows.

``NCsoft's game data center is already based on 300 Intel Architecture-based servers to provide our customers with maximum reliability,’’ said the company president Kim Taek-jin.

"We've now expanded our relationship with Intel in order to continue to provide cutting-edge and exciting online game programs for our consumers,’’ he added.

Although the benefits won’t be apparent overnight, NCsoft has already made strong inroads into the Taiwanese, U.S., Hong Kong and Japanese online gaming markets.

In midday trading on Tuesday, NCsoft shares were trading at 171,500 won on the tech-heavy Kosdaq stock market.

The Korea Times
2002. 6. 12