Qihoo 360 And Giant Interactive Collaborate To Operate ZT Online 2 Micro-Client Version

BEIJING, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd (NYSE: QIHU) ("Qihoo 360"), a leading Internet company in China, and Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) ("Giant"), one of China's leading online game developers and operators, today announced that they will collaborate in operating Qianjun Online , a customized micro-client version of Giant's ZT Online 2 on Qihoo 360's game open platform. The collaboration represents a significant extension of Qihoo 360's game open platform and makes Qianjun Online available to Qihoo 360's over 400 million user base.

Qianjun Online retains nearly all of the core gameplay mechanics of ZT Online 2, Giant's second flagship 2D client-based massively multiplayer online role playing game ("MMORPG"), which began open beta testing in September 2011 and reached over 541,000 peak concurrent users ("PCU") on April 22, 2012. In addition, Qianjun Online includes improved graphics and designed characters and quests. Although the micro-client installation file size is only approximately one percent of the MMORPG installation client file size, it provides a complete game experience to users. Qianjun Online also adopts Qihoo 360's latest Internet security technologies to enhance the protection of users' computers and game accounts.

Mr. Yuzhu Shi, chairman and chief executive officer of Giant commented, "We are pleased to announce our first micro-client game, Qianjun Online , in collaboration with Qihoo 360. Our extension into micro-client games offers incremental opportunities for Giant to market and operate its blockbuster games, helping to further expand the user base of client-based games. As a leading online game developer and operator with a sharp focus on innovation, Giant strives to deliver innovative, fun-to-play experiences to gamers. The development of the micro-client Qianjun Online and the new partnership with Qihoo 360 provide us new opportunities to extend such experience and expand our client-based game business. We look forward to a successful partnership with Qihoo 360."

Mr. Hongyi Zhou, chairman and chief executive officer of Qihoo 360, commented, "We are extremely pleased to work with Giant. Giant has extensive experience in online game development and a proven ability to understand game players' needs. This partnership is a significant extension of our game open platform as we add the micro-client version of MMORPGs to our offerings. As a leading Internet company in China, we have built our user base of over 400 million by offering free comprehensive Internet and mobile security solutions and key Internet access points such as browsers and an app store. With our user base and Giant's game experience, we believe that both companies are well positioned to collaborate in marketing and operating Qianjun Online . It is a win-win relationship. We will continue to leverage our user base and share resources with potential partners to build an open and prosperous online ecosystem."

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