San Jose-based online game publisher, OnNet USA has announced it will bring Square-Enix's free-to-play MMORPG Concerto Gate to North America through its game portal, GamesCampus. The company says Concerto Gate will enter public beta in 2008.

OnNet USA will act as the North American publisher of Concerto Gate under a sublicensing agreement with Excite Japan, who signed a licensing agreement for the title with Square-Enix last September.

Concerto Gate is the sequel to Cross Gate, which was launched in Japan in July 2001. Though never introduced in the U.S., Cross Gate claims some 23 million registered users in Japan, Taiwan and Korea, and Concerto Gate features an updated game system and improved graphics.

One interesting mechanic of the Concerto Gate world is that the topography of the game world persistently evolves in response to player behavior. For example, players dig in the ground to engage in mining activities, and small mining channels eventually become larger over time. Other gradual, large-scale terrain changes, like the demolition of forests or the formation of new mountains, occur over several weeks at a time depending on the interaction between characters.

Says OnNet USA CEO Kevin Kim, "This endeavor is very meaningful at every level for all parties involved. It is a marriage of OnNet USA’s expertise of publishing micro-transaction based games and Square Enix’s production of groundbreaking titles.” says Kevin Kim, CEO of OnNet USA.

From July 1 to 14, online game portal Gamescampus.com will host a closed beta test for MMORPG Concerto Gate, preparing for the Square Enix-produced game's North American release.

Concerto Gate is the sequel to Cross Gate, which was launched in Japan in July 2001. Though never introduced in the U.S., Cross Gate claims some 23 million registered users in Japan, Taiwan and Korea, and Concerto Gate features an updated game system and improved graphics.

Said Kevin Kim, CEO of OnNet USA, which runs Gamescampus.com: "I am thrilled and excited to introduce Concerto Gate to American players. Square Enix is, without doubt, one of the most famous developers in the world, and I believe the features of this game surely live up to their reputation. Concerto Gate is a terrific addition to Gamescampus.com, the leader in item-based games."

Square Enix producer Noriaki Watanabe added: "It is our pleasure to introduce Concerto Gate to American audiences through Gamescampus.com. We hope now that even more players can experience our game's revolutionary world and its exciting, new features."

Online game publisher GamesCampus has announced that it will begin its open beta test for Asda Story, a MaxOn Soft Corporation-developed 3D MMORPG, starting August 5th and ending late August when the game officially launches.

Previously released in Japan in 2006 and in Korea in 2007, Asda Story is a free-to-play title with a fantasy anime style. The game features a Soul Mate System with which two players can use a "soul mate" power to wear unique costumes and use special skills. Asda Story also incorporates a Real Costume System offering players extensive personalization and design options.

GamesCampus also announced a new program for players of the game - The Guaranteed Fun Promotion. With the promotion, the company promises to pay players $30 if they are unsatisfied with their game experience. To be eligible, gamers must first play Asda Story for 30 days and reach Level 40 by September 4th, 2008.

Said Gamescampus.com EVP of marketing and business development David Chang: "We chose to bring this game to the west because we believe in its potential. The Guaranteed Fun Promotion is our way of showing our belief in the game and is even better than a money-back guarantee because you don't have to spend a penny to play Asda Story."

He continued: "We are just asking you to invest your time in playing our game, and if after playing for 30 days you don't feel it has been the great game experience we feel it to be, we want to hear your feedback and we'll give you $30.00. It is as simple as that."