From passtime to profit: Mahjong Time's software has proven appeal, global potentialDUBLIN, IRELAND and SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, Apr 1, 2008 (Marketwire via COMTEX News Network) -- ALL FINANCIAL FIGURES ARE IN US$
CryptoLogic Limited (TSX:CRY)(TSX:CXY)(NASDAQ:CRYP)(LSE:CRP), a world leader in Internet gaming software, continued its advance into the Asian market today by making a strategic investment in Mahjong Time, an innovative provider of online Mahjong software and turnkey solutions.
"Mahjong is a game with an ancient history in China, and a following of well over 600 million worldwide," said Brian Hadfield, CryptoLogic's President and CEO. "CryptoLogic is skilled at taking popular pastimes and turning them into online entertainment, and in Asia we work with partners who share that vision. An investment in online Mahjong fits perfectly with our innovation strategy - and our continuing strategy to bring our platform to Asia."
CryptoLogic has reached an agreement to invest up to $2.5 million for a significant minority equity stake in Mahjong Time, subject to certain performance thresholds and milestones. The deal is expected to close within 30 days.
Mahjong Time has a patented platform created and managed by a team with in-depth Mahjong experience. The company earns revenue by licensing its software to gaming operators, who attract business through tournaments, subscriptions, "pay-for-play" models and in-game advertising. Mahjong Time also earns revenue from its own site, www.MahjongTime.com.
Mahjong Time has a number of unique advantages for operators, including more rulesets than any other provider, multiple language versions of its software and advanced gaming features (such as play, watch and archive modes). Players benefit from a secure, robust and friendly environment featuring non-download software that supports both subscription and tournament play, as well as a practice mode that teaches the game to newcomers.
Players from 136 countries enjoy social networking through advanced community features such as an advanced avatar shop, personalization engine, friends list, rated competitions and a patented visual "belt" rating and ranking system - all of which are keys to web 2.0 success in gaming.
Mahjong Time is the official online partner of the North American Mahjong Federation, the European Mahjong Association and national associations in ten European countries. Mahjong Time has developed a unique, officially-certified rating system (MORSE) for use in online tournaments.
MahjongTime is also the exclusive online software and platform provider for the World Series of Mahjong, the biggest prize money tournament in the history of the game. Global TV coverage of the WSOM over the next three years will provide a platform to reach millions of enthusiasts across Asia and beyond.
"As a game, Mahjong is about both strategy and community, and that's the approach we have taken to building our software and our business," said William Sutjiadi, CEO of Mahjong Time. "CryptoLogic knows great innovation and great software, and together we will build a business with huge global potential."
About CryptoLogic(R) (www.cryptologic.com)
Focused on integrity and innovation, CryptoLogic Limited is a world-leading, blue-chip public developer and supplier of Internet gaming software. Its leadership in regulatory compliance makes it one of the very few companies with gaming software that has been certified to strict standards similar to land-based gaming.
WagerLogic Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CryptoLogic, is responsible for the licensing of CryptoLogic software and services to customers who offer their games around the world to non-U.S. based players. For information on WagerLogic(R), visit www.wagerlogic.com. CryptoLogic's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (CRY, CXY), the NASDAQ Global Select Market (CRYP) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (CRP).
CRYPTOLOGIC FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER:
Statements in this press release which are not historical are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, risks associated with the company's financial condition and prospects, legal risks associated with Internet gaming and risks of governmental legislation and regulation, risks associated with market acceptance and technological changes, risks associated with dependence on licensees and key licensees, risks relating to international operations, risks associated with competition and other risks detailed in the company's filings with securities regulatory authorities. These risks may cause results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
SOURCE: CryptoLogic Limited
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