Chinese online game developer and operator Shanda Games has reached an agreement with Trion Worlds to operate its online game Rift in mainland China.

The detailed charging mode for the game or launch time has not yet been decided.

Rift is the dynamic fantasy MMORPG developed by Trion Worlds. It is once considered a strong competitor for World of Warcraft. At the beginning of 2012, Trion World Network, maker of Rift, announced that over the ten months' operation in 2011, Rift contributed profit of USD100 million, which was about CNY631 million, for the company.

Lars Buttler, founder and CEO for Trion Worlds, said that their partnership with Shanda is a huge step for Western premium games in China and they are proud Trion is at the forefront, setting the standard once again. The appetite for new great original game experiences like Rift, that disrupt the existing paradigm of traditional gaming, is universal. Shanda, with proven track record of localizing and delivering content, is the best partner for Trion to offer gamers in mainland China an authentic Rift experience.

Alan Tan, chairman and CEO of Shanda Games, said that they are delighted to bring Rift, Trion Worlds' much-acclaimed award-winning title, to China. Rift offers an adventurous online world with fantastic dynamic content and stunning graphics and has attracted many devoted fans worldwide. Based on their experience and expertise in the Chinese market, they are excited about the upcoming launch of Rift to their broad gamer audience and are confident in the success of Rift in the Chinese market.