Gameforge, the world’s leading independent distributor of online games, today announced the opening of a new client-based MMOG, Gates of Andaron. Gamers will be introduced to the battle between the kingdoms of Valorian and Derion in the Gates of Andaron. The fantasy game, developed by Korean MMOG developer Zemi Interactive, is available for free to courageous fortune-seekers everywhere at www.gatesofandaron.com.

War has ravaged the kingdoms of Valorian and Derion. Those who were once allies are now hostile enemies. While the origin of the conflict has been lost over time, both kingdoms have created their own versions of the story behind the bloody conflict. The only thing certain is that the key to ending the war between the two kingdoms lies hidden in ancient, almost-forgotten tales and sagas. The quest to reveal the truth and end the everlasting struggle is a task for only the bravest of adventurers.

Whether playing as a human, feline or fairy, as an ally to one of the warring kingdoms you will face deadly challenges that can only be surmounted through the might of sword and power of magic. Not only will your journey take you through the world of modern Iberia, but it will transport you to distant lands deep in the depths of Andaron’s history. In Gates of Andaron, terrifying monsters and epic battles await as you rise above the betrayal and become a hero for all eternity.

Gates of Andaron features:

• R.S.C.S. – Real-time Strategic Command System: For fast-paced combat situations, the Real-time Strategic Command System helps you keep an overview, stay in control, and lead your combatants into battle quickly and conveniently.
• Motivating PvP Scoring System: While conquering terrain and completing special missions in grueling player versus player (PvP) battles, earn valuable honor and achievement points that enable you to purchase additional, exclusive items for your character.
• Expansive Customization Options: The crafting system allows you to create your own armor. With the help of skilled NPC’s and special items, you are able to add improvements and visual effects to your weapons and equipment and prepare helpful potions.
• Cooperative Gameplay: Having another player by your side not only provides camaraderie, but allows you to share life energy and collect experience points together as you progress through challenging battles.

For more information and to play Gates of Andaron, please visit www.gatesofandaron.com.

With over 65 million users worldwide, Gameforge has been very successful at bringing players together through browser-based games that offer minimal barrier to entry.  “We are incredibly flattered to be recognized by the World Economic Forum and identified with 33 other outstanding companies,” said Klaas Kersting, CEO and Co-Founder of Gameforge. “This is certainly one of our greatest honors as a company and we look forward to continually bringing new innovative titles to gamers worldwide.”

“We congratulate the 34 newly selected Technology Pioneers for their remarkable achievements and welcome them to the wider community of the World Economic Forum. During these difficult times, we are certain that the technologies driven by these visionary companies will contribute to the next wave of growth, with the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes them,” said André Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum.

The selection of Gameforge is the result of a rigorous selection process, for which the Forum received more than 320 applications from around the world that were evaluated by 44 global technology experts. The 34 Technology Pioneers 2009 are active in fields such as: body computing platforms for personalized healthcare, utility-scale solar power projects, mobile phone authentication methods to ensure drug safety in developing nations, miniaturized 3rd generation mobile networks, traceability and assurance over food quality, and electric motors with unprecedented levels of energy efficiency and smart grid solutions. The entire list of Technology Pioneers, with their profiles and interviews with the executives of the selected companies, can be found at: http://www.weforum.org/techpioneers.

This is the 10th anniversary of the Technology Pioneers program of the Forum, which aims to recognize companies at the forefront of technology and innovation. The program so far has identified around 400 companies that have contributed to the Forum’s mission of improving the state of the world. To be selected as a Technology Pioneer, a company must be involved in the development of life-changing technology innovation and have the potential for long-term impact on business and society. In addition, it must demonstrate visionary leadership and show all the signs of being a long-standing market leader with a proven technology. Previous Technology Pioneers include 23andme, Amyris Biotechnologies, Dr Reddy Laboratories, Google, Gridpoint, Infosys, Kaspersky Lab, Mozilla Corporation and Nanosolar.

Technology Pioneers 2009 are integrated into the Forum’s initiatives and are invited to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 28th to February 1st, and in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions that will be held in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, in September 2009.

About Gameforge – Gameforge is the largest independent supplier of browser- and client-based MMOGs (massively multiplayer online games) worldwide. The company offers more than 12 games in over 50 languages. More than 65 million players have already registered for Gameforge games, and more than 13 million people actively play the company’s online titles. Gameforge offers a large catalog of releases such as Ikariam, OGame, Gladiatus, and many more. The company also publishes client-based online titles such as the action-oriented Metin2, Europe’s biggest MMOG.

Klaas Kersting and Alexander Roesner established Gameforge in December 2003. The investment firm Accel Partners purchased a stake in the company in August 2007. Gameforge opened their US office in San Francisco in spring of 2008. Lars Koschin, CEO and President, oversees the operations of the US office.
More information about Gameforge is available at www.gameforge.com.

About the World Economic Forum – The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests More information about the World Economic Forum can be found at: http://www.weforum.org.

Free-to-play and completely browser-based, Ikariam requires no client downloads and can be played at the pace of the players’ choosing. Registration details and additional information can be found at www.ikariam.com/.

About Gameforge

Gameforge is the largest independent supplier of browser- and client-based MMOGs (massively multiplayer online games) worldwide. More than 60 million players in over 40 countries have already registered for Gameforge games, and more than 11 million people actively play the company’s online titles. Gameforge offers a large catalog of releases such as Ikariam, OGame, Legend Online, WarpFire, Gladiatus, BiteFight, and many more.

Klaas Kersting and Alexander Roesner established Gameforge in December 2003. The investment firm Accel Partners purchased a stake in the company in August 2007. Gameforge opened their US office in San Francisco in spring of 2008. Lars Koschin, CEO and President, oversees the operations of the US office. More information about Gameforge is available at www.gameforge.com.