MapleStory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SINGAPORE / KUALA LUMPUR – 21 January, 2010 – Fans of MapleStory can now personalize their Windows Live Messenger using a specially created MapleStory Personal Expression Pack that offers backgrounds, emoticons, dynamic displays and winks featuring Aran characters, the latest class recently launched in the localized version of MapleStory - MapleSEA.

This Personal Expression Pack is the result of an exclusive marketing collaboration between Microsoft and Asiasoft Online, the Southeast Asia publisher of MapleStory, and is available to all Windows Live Messenger users between 14-35 years old in Singapore and Malaysia (as defined by their profile details) from January until June 2010.

MapleStory is one of the world’s most popular 2-D massively-multiplayer online games with over 92 million users worldwide; Asiasoft Online supports 1.2 million users in Singapore and Malaysia. Windows Live is the top instant messenger tool in Singapore and Malaysia with a combined user base of four million.

Ng Kok Khwang, Marketing Director for Asiasoft Online, said, “There has been a steady increase in the number of casual gamers in Southeast Asia, especially in the 14-35 year-old age group, and playing online games is now considered an integral part of one’s lifestyle. Asiasoft Online believes in value-adding to our gaming community with new and exciting elements, and we are delighted to partner with Microsoft to offer players the chance to extend their MapleStory experience to other communications channels.”

The MapleStory Personal Expression Pack is free and available for download at the specially created MapleSEA website available exclusively on Windows Live Messenger. Windows Live Messenger users can click on the MapleStory mushroom icon in Messenger to get access to the website. As a bonus, users can also download and install a special Windows 7 theme pack containing desktop wallpapers, MapleStory Photo Gadget and News Gadget to further customize their desktop experience.

By participating in the MapleSEA promotion contest, fifteen lucky users stand to win a limited edition Windows Live Messenger Buddy USB drive. To join the contest, users need to add aran002@live.com to their list of contacts and display the following personal status message: “Click on the MapleStory mushroom to download special emoticons and background!” All MapleSEA players who participate in the contest will also automatically receive ten in-game Power Elixirs.

“Exclusive partnerships with channels such as MapleStory help us offer value added content to our consumers, helping them personalise their online experience and share their interests with their friends,” said Craig Law-Smith, Marketing Director, Online Services Group, Southeast Asia, Microsoft.

About Microsoft Corporation

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About MapleSEA

MapleSEA ( www.MapleSEA.com) is the South East Asian version of MapleStory, played by over 92 million gamers worldwide. MapleStory is the world’s first free-to-play 2D side-scrolling Massively Multiplayer Online Game. Featuring cute anime-style, fun game play and a visionary avatar business model, MapleStory has established itself as one of Asia’s top online games.

About Asiasoft Online

Asiasoft Online ( http://www.asiasoft.sg/) publishes Massively Multiplayer Online Games in Singapore and Malaysia. Incorporated in 2004, Asiasoft Online assists game developers to tap onto the growth potential of the South-East Asia region.

Asiasoft Online is part of the Asiasoft group of publishing companies with a presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam serving over 18 million registered gamers.

Asiasoft Online publishes “MapleStory,” “Audition,” “GetAmped,” “CABAL Online,” “Sudden Attack,” “Yulgang Online” and “Warriors of the 3 Kingdoms”. Asiasoft Online also provides the e-pin payment gateway for games such as “Silkroad Online”, “FreeStyle Online”, “Alteil Online” and games from PopCap such as “Bejewelled 2”. The company is also the official distributor for Blizzard Entertainment’s record breaking titles, including the “World of Warcraft” series in Singapore.

Committed to developing the regional online gaming community, Asiasoft Online 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.

For more information and interview requests:

Khushil Vaswani / Nina Kaur

Weber Shandwick

P: +65 6825 8023 / +65 6825 8043

M: +65 9127 7024 / +65 9438 6942

E: sinosg@webershandwick.com

Jem Loh

Assistant Content Manager

Asiasoft Online

M: +65 9796 2621

E: jem.loh@asiasoftsea.net