The basic game mechanics remain largely unchanged from the previous version, with the exception of the graphics being upgraded from 8-bit color to 16-bit high color. There is also improved player customization, far larger maps, and a revamped quest system.
By the time the game had closed in February 2012, it had 120 million registered users. The game also had a peak of 750,000 concurrent users online.[1]
Murder
In 2005, a dispute between two Chinese players of the game erupted into murder. Qiu Chengwei, who had won the Red Dragon Sabre, an in-game virtual sword, had lent the sword to his friend, Zhu Caoyuan, who then sold the sword on eBay for 7200 yuan ($870). This enraged Qiu who then stabbed Zhu to death.[2][3]