(16 April 2008 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited, an interactive entertainment media company in China, announced that it has granted an exclusive right to Zapak Digital Entertainment for operation of Shanda's in-house developed online racing game ‘Crazy Kart’ in India.

Following previous overseas licensing agreements for Crazy Kart in Hong Kong, Thailand and Vietnam, Shanda’s latest cooperation with Zapak marks the company’s entry into the Indian market.

“We are very excited to work with Zapak, India’s top game company, in bringing our high-quality Crazy Kart to Indian users. This marks another importance milestone since we initiate our efforts to explore overseas opportunities last year. Our partnership signifies an alliance between the two leading game companies in China and India, and we are very optimistic about a long-term collaboration going forward,” said Shanda chief technology officer and president Qunzaho Tan.

Crazy Kart is currently under closed-beta testing in India and is expected to enter commercial operation in the second quarter of 2008. The game’s cartoon-themed design style and competitive multiplayer game modes have made it a hit among users and earned it praise nationwide.

“In Zapak’s strategy, the cooperation on Crazy Kart is just the first step of the two parties’ long-term strategic partnership. We look forward to a close relationship with Shanda to bring more entertainment content to the Indian market in the future,” added Sawhney.