BEIJING, Aug. 31 -- PowerNet Technology, a Chinese online gaming firm, has developed a new online game in cooperation with the China Communist Youth League (CCYL) named "Anti-Japan War Online," which will begin commercial operation by the end of 2005, Interfax reported Wednesday.

    "The game will allow players, especially younger players, to learn from history. They will get a patriotic feeling when fighting invaders to safeguard their motherland," Interfax reported, citing a PowerNet Project Manager, surnamed Liu.

    The background for "Anti-Japan War Online" is the Japanese invasion of China during World War II, from 1937 through 1945. Players are able to play simulations of key battles, but will only be able to play as the Chinese side. Players will also not be allowed to kill other players in the game. In addition, fighting in the game between Japanese and Chinese soldiers will be shown only in miniature, so as to reduce the violence level of the game, Liu said.

    The new massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) will begin internal testing later this August, with commercial launch of the game expected in 2005. The online game is based on PowerNet's self-developed game engine.

    The CCLY said in statement that few games on the Chinese market today generate a "national spirit" that can educate young players. As a result, the CCYL will actively partner with online gaming companies to jointly develop "patriotic" online games.

    "'Anti-Japan War Online' is a patriotic online game that is both interesting and instructive, and can attract and guide young players," Chen Xiao, the CCLY official in charge of partnerships with online gaming firms, told Interfax. "We will pay close attention to the authenticity of historical facts in the game."

    In 2004, CCYL also formed a partnership with Guangdong Data Communication Network Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Guangdong Telecom to begin developing a 3D MMORPG named "Guohun Online" ("National Spirit Online") in 2005. Approximately RMB 50 mln (USD 6.17 mln) has been invested in the development of "Guohun Online," which is currently being developed with technical support from Chinese online gaming firm TQ Digital. Commercial operation of "Guohun Online" is expected in the second half of 2005.

    In addition, CCYL is also currently working with Beijing Magical Digit Co., Ltd. to develop three other online games, titled "Sim Battle: Long March", "Sim Battle: Blue Helmet China" and "Sim Battle: Sky Dragon." Enditem