IP E-GAME Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games), a subsidiary of publicly traded IPVG Corp., has entered into a game-publishing and distribution deal with Korean game developer EST Soft.

Based on the agreement, IP E-Games will distribute EST Soft’s soon-to-be- launched massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) called CABAL Online, which is one of the most awaited online games in the Philippines.

“The success of CABAL Online in other regions convinced us to bring it here as part of our commitment to bring the best games for the Filipino gamer,” said IP E-Games group product manager Heidi Mendita.

CABAL Online is a unique third-person MMORPG that combines futuristic, fantasy and medieval themes into one action-packed, sophisticated role-playing adventure. It is expected to be one of the biggest titles to hit the Filipino online-gaming community.

The game has been successfully launched in Asia, Europe and America (including the USA and Canada), gathering 20 million registrations across the globe. In Vietnam, CABAL Online recorded a maximum of 75,000 concurrent users at any given time.

IP E-Games’ newest partner is a leading software-development company based in Korea. From end-user utilities to enterprise-class turn-key business solutions, each EST Soft title enjoys continual growth. Its main products include the ALTools suite of PC utilities, the InternetDisk web- storage solutions and CABAL.

Meanwhile, IP E-Games operates the online-gaming business of IPVG. It has the exclusive distribution rights to MMORPG RAN Online, O2Jam and Audition, Supreme Destiny and Granado Espada.

The company has more than 4 million registered users, with 950,000 active users per month. On the average, it hosts 40,000 concurrent users for its games.

Earlier, IP E-Games signed a shareholders’ agreement with GMA New Media Inc. (GMA-NMI), a 100-percent subsidiary of GMA Network Inc., for the creation and operation of a joint- venture company called I-Play Inc.

The partnership will engage in the business of designing, operating, and maintaining casual online-gaming and related portals.

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IP E-GAME Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games), a subsidiary of publicly traded IPVG Corp., has entered into a game-publishing and distribution deal with Korean game developer EST Soft.

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Well-entrenched is the rule that by reason of the special knowledge and expertise of administrative departments over matters falling under their jurisdiction, they are in a better position to pass judgment thereon and their findings of fact in that regard are generally accorded respect, if not finality, by the courts (Palele v. Court of Appeals, 362 SCRA 141).