Demonstrating their commitment to “green online games”, CDC Games has recently announced that they have acquired distribution rights from SK Telecom to operate the successful Digimon RPG in the world’s largest market for online games.

“Green online games” in China refers to games with content that is considered to be healthy, non-violent, non-pornographic, and non-addictive.  The program is lead by the PAC Game Committee in an effort to combat the growing problem of internet addiction in China.  Li Jianguo, vice-chairman of the National People’s Congress states, “Internet-addicted teenagers account for about 10 percent of China’s web users under the age of 18.”

Striving to find the right balance in free-to-play games and meeting the “green online games” theory, CDC Games launched Digimon RPG yesterday.  The game is an online role-playing game based on the hugely successful Japanese television animated series.  Digimon has been aired in China since 2001, and Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 02 can be seen on six channels throughout the Chinese market, including Shanghai, having a market reach of over 100 million viewers in 20 major cities.

“We are very excited to launch Digimon RPG, a major new “green” online game for gamers in China,” said, John Huen, chief operating officer of CDC Games. “We expect the TV series airing in China will help to further heighten awareness for Digimon RPG and help position this healthy and non-violent online game for growth in the world’s largest online market.”

Initially launched four years ago in Korea by it’s creator DIGITALIC, Digimon is a fully tested and ready to go free-to-play title for the Chinese market.

“We are very excited about the launch of Digimon RPG in the world’s largest online games market,” said Yongbo Cho, Convergence Game Business team leader, SK Telecom. “With CDC Games’ impressive games infrastructure in that country and its successful track record in the free-to-play online games market there, we believe Digimon RPG will be very successful in China.”

Players collect and train virtual monsters called Digimon and battle against other players.  Players initially select Tamers and a starter Digimon and battle other Digimon until level 11.  At this point they may begin capturing even more wild and exotic Digimon to fight with.  In order to enhance their chances of catching additional Digimon, players can purchase nets and hunting equipment from the online store.  As with most popular free-to-plays, players may also access the item shop to purchase custom clothing for their avatar.  CDC has also stated that players will be able to trade with each other, but no word back from them is this will be a straight trade, or a player-to-player marketplace.

If a ‘fighting’ game and the “green online games” theory of non-violence has you scratching your head a bit, you’re not alone.  CDC Games defends their position with the statement,

“Since the battles between Digimon are generally non-violent (fallen Digimon will have small birds flying around their heads), this online game is suitable for young gamers. The game also teaches a positive message to gamers because the children (i.e. Tamers) are helping the Digimon to defend the digital world, as well as the real world from evil forces. Many of today’s games involve more ambiguous enemies so fighting the evil forces is very straightforward and a more worthwhile goal for young gamers.”