French computer game publisher Ankama Games and leading Russian Internet company Mail.ru Group are about to launch a Russian version of ‘Dofus,’ a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that has attracted dozens of millions of users across the globe since it was released in 2005.
A beta version of the Russian language game has already been made available to Russian testers.
“Just a few editorial adaptations for the local market were necessary,” explained Ankama’s representative Ingrid Muller in an exchange with East-West Digital News. “The game has been fully translated into Russian, with the exception of a few plays on words and references.”
Payment methods for the game had to be reviewed more thoroughly, however, due to local market differences. No direct subscription will be offered, but gamers will be able to purchase ‘Ogrines,’ a type of virtual currency.
Ankama did not disclose the financial aspects of its deal with Mail.ru Group.
Based in Lille in the North of France, Ankama has marketed its games in various countries of the world, but the agreement with Mail.ru Group marks its first foray into the Russian market. “We hope to further develop our activities on the local market,” Muller said. “In the short term, we are seeking partners to develop licensed products such as TV series, mangas, art books, and other ancillary products.”
Last year, games accounted for $99.8 million, or almost a third, of Mail.Ru Group’s $324 million in revenues. The group is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
