OnNet USA has announced that "CONCERTO Gate," a free-to-play MMORPG by Ponsbic is coming to North America.

"OnNet USA will act as the North American publisher of CONCERTO GATE under a sublicensing agreement with Excite Japan. Excite Japan signed a CONCERTO GATE licensing deal with Square Enix Co., Ltd. last September.

CONCERTO GATE is a free-to-play MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing) and a sequel to CROSS GATETM. It continues the theme of its predecessor along with boasting an updated game system and improved graphics. CROSS GATE is a pioneer among MMORPGs and was launched in July 2001 in Japan. The game has expanded via three power-up kits, lending to its long-running popularity.  CROSS GATE was not introduced to the US, but it has gained popularity within Asian countries such as Japan, Taiwan and Korea. The game has accumulated 23 million registered users in China along since its launch in February 2002.

CONCERTO GATE is an “exciting MMORPG that is easy to play and is presented in a cute style”. CONCERTO GATE introduces a unique feature called the “terra-generating” system. This innovative system constantly changes the topography of the game world.  For example, players can dig in the ground to mine for minerals, and after digging for a while, small holes will eventually become giant holes.  Forests can be demolished, and new mountains can be formed depending on interaction between players. Large-scale terrain changes will not occur in a day or two, but will be gradual. Players will most likely see changes over several weeks.  Also, random encounters with monsters are prevalent in CONCERTO GATE. Similar to traditional RPGs, players exploring the map can be ambushed at any time by enemies.

“This endeavor is very meaningful at every level for all parties involved. It is a marriage of OnNet USA’s expertise of publishing micro-transaction based games and Square Enix’s production of groundbreaking titles. I guarantee you will like CONCERTO GATE,” says Kevin Kim, CEO of OnNet USA.

OnNet USA is planning to launch the public beta in the first half of 2008. "