Aion, the fantasy MMORPG by NCsoft, will also begin a promotional event codenamed “Operation H” for light users with new updates. This move by NCsoft is regarded by industry observers as the company’s strategy to prepare for the launch of Blade & Soul while keeping defector numbers to a minimum.

FIFA Online II, the game jointly developed by Neowiz Games and Electronic Arts, announced that it would make a major “roster update” on the players on May 25. The upcoming update will involve as many as 888 player changes and 1,662 new player additions, which has been hailed by the world’s soccer fans.

Sudden Attack, the highly popular first-person shootout game offered by Nexon, has introduced a new game mode called “Shootout Mode,” enhancing speed and fun factor. The company also held a promotional event to give away points and free-time privileges for Internet café users.

The year 2012 is already sizzling with the competition among blockbuster games. As incumbent game developers counter with special offers and promotional events to defend their territories, it remains to be seen who will emerge as winners out of all this.

Sean Chung (press@whowired.com)