Shanghai-based online game operator The9 Limited has acquired a minority stake in Korean game developer G10 Entertainment with a cash investment of approximately $38 million.

G10 Entertainment specializes in community-based online games in South Korea with a heavy emphasis on social interaction. Its titles include Audition, a series of online casual dance games for the PC, currently played by over 300 million people in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

The9 manages the operation and distribution for several popular MMORPG titles, including Ragnarok Online 2 and World of Warcraft and its expansions, in mainland China. The9 will also be operating G10's Audition 2 in China.

Said G10 CEO Mr. Kee Young Kim: "We are very excited that The9 [is becoming] one of our key investors as we see this equity infusion as a recognition of G10's achievements in developing games and creating entertainment content. The9's outstanding game operation expertise will be a huge advantage in bringing G10's products to the growing Chinese online game market.”

He continued: “We also look forward to learning from The9's valuable experience gleaned from the day-to-day operation in the local market, and integrating the ideas and suggestions from The9 into our game development process. Our people and teams at G10 are empowered to continue delivering high-quality game products and providing our best support to Audition 2, our prize product to be operated by The9 in mainland China."