As reported yesterday, there were reports swirling around the Chinese media that Perfect World Beijing has gotten the rights to develop Saint Seiya Online, a Japanese classic manga (known as Zodiac Knights in North America). Earlier today at an event, Perfect World CEO Mr Michael Chi confirmed to reporters that Saint Seiya Online is currently in development He also went into some brief details about acquiring the game.
Back in 2007, Shueisha, the Japanese company which owns the right to Saint Seiya, gave permission to gaming giant Sega to develop an online game based on the franchise. A beta test was initially scheduled for 2008, but nothing came to fruition. Perfect World, seeing that the full rights is out of grasp, proceeded to discuss terms with Sega and mutually decided to cooperate in making the online game.
According to various industry sources, the game has been in development for a year now. Previously at an awards ceremony, Mr Michael Chi also revealed that Perfect World got in touch with Shueisha and discussed about selling Saint Seiya merchandise in China. For Saint Seiya Online, all which is lacking now is an official press release from Perfect World Beijing. For players of Battle of the Immortals, haven’t you noticed some armors are inspired by the ones found in Saint Seiya?
