What MMO announced 400,000 concurrent users last week?

Nope, not WoW. Here’s a link to the news story:

http://www.pacificepoch.com/newsstories/72737_0_5_0_M/

Shanghai based online game company Zhengtu Games said its in-house developed 2D massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) Zhengtu Online hit 401,900 peak concurrent users (PCU) on August 19, reports 17173. Zhengtu Games will offer double experience points to users from August 26 to 29 to commemorate the milestone. Zhengtu uses the free-to-play model, where game “extras” cost money. The game is consistently rated the most expensive game in China.

Yes, they are about to blow away that record, with the news and with offering double exp. Cool!

Note the business model. And note the success: 400,000 concurrent users and it’s the most expensive game in China.

I didn’t find a site for them online yet, but will look more later. Perhaps the Great Firewall goes both ways?

Here are a couple screenshots. Click for a large image:

Think we all need to pay more attention to Chinese games? Think they might hit the mainstream in the same way that Chinese and Hong Kong movies, directors and stars have?