Asiasoft collected record amount for MapleStory Charity Auction and announced fundraising activity
25th May 2009, Singapore – Asiasoft Online Pte Ltd (Asiasoft), the leading publisher of Massively-Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) in Southeast Asia, announced the total collection of S$18,620.00 for the MapleStory Charity Auction in the second annual Asiasoft GameFest 2009 (ASGF) during the Licence2Play Gaming & Electronics Fair from 22nd to 24rd May 2009 at Level 6, Suntec City Convention Hall 603. It was the first time that Asiasoft added an additional beneficiary, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) together with its current adoptee — Muscular Dystrophy Association of Singapore (MDAS) to benefit from the total amount in the current economic situation. Asiasoft, together with game developers, CyberStep, Nexon Corporation, Yedang Online Corporation and T3 Entertainment also announced its unique in-game fundraising campaign in the near future.
The massive gaming event saw more than 250,000 gaming enthusiasts thronged through the gates to enjoy exciting activities, on-site tournaments and in-game competitions for over S$50,000 in cash and prizes. Highlight of the three-day mega gaming event was the official launch of “MapleStory Episode 2” that wowed the audience with in-game vouchers shot into the air to grab and redeem decorative items. It was followed by the “MapleStory” 10 times experience event, the first of its kind in history worldwide, to allow players to earn ten times the normal experience for each monster kill. New games “Yulgang”, @Global games such as “Freestyle” and “Alteil” were demonstrated at the Asiasoft GameFest booth, giving the community a first-hand gaming experience.
Based on the best-selling Korean comic series “Yul Hyul Gang Ho” (热血江湖), “Yulgang Online” immersed players in an intriguing world of martial arts, fantasy and comic escapades. With adorable manga-style character, riveting in-game quests and a gorgeous world to explore, “Yulgang Online” served up a different adventure for every gamer. Choose from four mighty classes – the swordsman, bladesman, healer or spearman – and picked from The Order or Chaos House. Players could pit their fighting skills against players from other martial arts houses and be the true Yulgang Online warrior.
“We are happy to collect the amount for both our beneficiaries, MDAS and Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. We will like to thank the supportive gaming community for the amount collected,” said Mr Sherman Tan, Chairman of Asiasoft. “We are glad to successfully hold this massive gaming event with upcoming game, Yulgang for the gaming community and see many smiling faces throughout the three days.”
Other highlights of the ASGF 2009 are The Straits Times Game IN Inter-school AuditionSEA tournament and The New Paper Cyber Challenge for Sudden Attack. For the Straits Times Game IN Inter-school tournament, 34 teams of students from schools all over Singapore battled to the beat of groovy music in the online dancing game, AuditionSEA. The winning teams were from Si Ling Secondary School, Ang Mo Kio Secondary School and Compassvale Secondary School for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placing respectively. And at the TNP Cyber Challenge for Sudden Attack, Korea’s No.1 FPS (First-Person Shooter) game, the Malaysia team – ESP’NAGA emerged Champion, beating Singapore team – Otaku in the final match. Another Singapore team – CHRONOS [iMQ] came in third as they beat team Benchwarriors in the semifinals. The matches were adrenaline-filled with much tension and excitement in the air as teams engaged in fierce shootouts to win the total prize of S$9,500 cash proudly sponsored by Asiasoft and SingTel.
Other activities in the AsiaSoft GameFest included a series of Asiasoft game competitions, namely the “Audition FAM of the Year” Battle, the “CABAL Forbidden Island Dungeon Run”, the “GetAmped Kungfu Championship” and the “MapleStory Power of Get Together! Family Challenge”. Players put their best to top the respective game championships and won attractive cash prizes and exclusive premiums.
Amidst the celebration and competitions, Asiasoft banded with its game developers from Korea and Japan to support and contribute to the beneficiaries within the community. As part of its upcoming fundraising activity for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore (“MDAS”), Asiasoft’s first adopted charity, the company worked closely with game developers CyberStep, Nexon Corporation, Yedang Online Corporation and T3 Entertainment, to develop special “We Care” in-game items for players to purchase in support of the association. The activity would be rolled out in the second half of the year and more details would be made available at a later date.
“Asiasoft is glad to work closely with our game developers to support this good cause once again. We are firmly committed to giving back to the gaming community and do more with MDAS for all our contribution to society,” said Mr Sherman Tan, Chairman of Asiasoft. “Our gamers have shown much warmth and support in our previous fundraising campaign with MDAS and the recent charity auction. We believe that they will continue to contribute even more for this year.”
All net proceeds from the in-game item sales to be donated to MDAS at the end of 2009.
About The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund
The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund was initiated on Children’s Day (October 1) in the year 2000 by The Straits Times, to heighten public awareness of the plight of children from low-income families who were attending school without proper breakfast, or pocket money to sustain their day in school.
The aim is to alleviate the financial burden faced by parents in providing for their children’s education. At the same time the funds will help children who are already facing difficulties in remaining in school to stay on.
In the past few years, members of the public, schools and corporations responded generously after reading stories highlighting children especially those from single parent families who were most affected.
About AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd
AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd publishes Massively-Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) in Singapore and Malaysia. Incorporated in 2004, AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd assists game developers to tap onto the growth potential of the South-East Asia region.
AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd publishes “MapleStory”, “Audition”, “GetAmped”, “CABAL Online”, “Richman Online”, and distributes “SilkRoad Online”. AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd is also the Official Distributor for Blizzard Entertainment’s record breaking title “World of Warcraft”.
AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd is part of the AsiaSoft group of publishing companies with a presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam serving over 15 million registered gamers.
Committed to developing the regional online gaming community, AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd works with content developers and industry partners to entertain and engage casual gamers and netizens. Content localization, marketing and game service management are deployed by specialized and dedicated professionals, for game developers, in an integrated services platform.
Video highlights of Asiasoft GameFest 2009