Kid-Friendly MMO Wizard101 Heading To China

Online game developer KingsIsle Entertainment on Wednesday announced a deal with major Chinese media company Taomee Holdings Limited to bring the popular kid-friendly MMO Wizard101 to China. The partnership is the latest in the Texas-based game developer's global expansion efforts. The company previously announced a deal with German online game firm Gameforge that would bring Wizard101 to Europe. According to KingsIsle, the MMO has amassed over 20 million registered players since its U.S. launch in 2008, a milestone that does not include the localized European editions of Wizard101. The game allows for a free trial, and makes its revenues through virtual item buys and subscription fees. The developer also said that the game's website at Wizard101.com attracted over 13 million unique visitors in July this year. Players go to the website to create a wizard and download the game. The localized Chinese version of Wizard101 is expected to arrive in the country in 2012. Taomee is a leading online entertainment community catering to Chinese kids between the ages of five and 15.