LEVEL UP! STARTS CONSOLIDATION WITH NETGAMES

first published at The Manila Times Oct 11, 2006 | by Uy, Ed

WHEN ePLDT acquired majority ownership of Level Up! Inc. (Philippines), the country’s leading online game publisher earlier this year, it intended to merge the operations of the two companies. The consolidation has already started this October, much earlier than originally scheduled.

The consolidated company will be called Level Up! Inc., and its offices will be maintained on the 11th floor, Pacific Star Building, Makati Avenue. Level Up! and netGames, however, will maintain their separate brands, URL’s, websites, prepaid cards and collaterals until further notice. Gamers shouldn’t be worried as the consolidation will have no impact on the player communities of Level Up! and netGames.

According to Ray Espinosa, president and CEO of ePLDT, “Integrating and cooperating this early will enhance and preserve the position of Level Up! as the leader on online content and entertainment in the Philippines.” Ben Colayco, chief operating officer of Level Up! International (“LUIH”) added that, “The early consolidation will enable Level Up! to immediately realize the benefit of shared resources and gain the full support of the PLDT group and Level Up! International.”

The combined portfolio of Level Up! consists of MMOGs such as the top-ranked and pioneering Ragnarok, sci-fi based RF Online, flying 3D game Flyff, and Gravity developed ROSE Online as well as casual sports games Pangya and Freestyle.

Datablitz picks of the week Faces of War

Faces of War goes where few RTS games have gone before, offering you the ability to direct an intelligent squad of soldiers through destructible WWII battlegrounds, or take the fight into your own hands with unique third-person action. Experience WWII from various perspectives as you control American, English, Russian and German troops in world-renowned battles. Manage your troop’s progress against advanced AI enemies using an arsenal of authentic weapons.

Company of Heroes

From the studio that brought you the blockbuster Game of the Year titles Home World and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War comes the next revolution in action strategy. Company of Heroes is a WW2 Real Time Strategy game that brings to life the journey of the brave men of Able Company as they fight across Europe in the greatest war mankind has ever known.

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