Shot Online is a massively multiplayer online golf video game which also features character development and MMORPG elements. It is developed by the Seoul-based game developer WebzenOnNet Co. Ltd., and published by Webzen under their game portal website, GamesCampus. Although there is no subscription fee or cost to download and play the game, the game offers upgraded "Gold" membership plans for a monthly fee, and additional items may be purchased using real currency through the game's website. History Shot Online was originally created as a Korean title, then later marketed to the United States. Debuting in 2004 as a free online download, this game worked its way onto store shelves in 2006 when a retail version was made available. The game is currently available as a direct download from the publisher's website. Retail boxed versions of the game are no longer available. Game updates are pushed through an update server with major improvements scheduled every six months. Using this method the developer can make rapid fixes or game changes such as the addition of auction houses to the game. Game developers have promised updates such as graphical improvements in the future. Publishing The game is available in eight different languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese). Webzen publishes the English version under their game portal, gamescampus.com, and the German, French, and Spanish versions of the game under the portal gamescampus.eu, as well as linking to the game from their main Webzen.com games portal. Gameplay Introduction The golf simulator allows up to four players to tee-off together on several fictional and non-fictional courses, while The Square allows a player's avatar to interact with NPCs and make trades with other players. For each hole completed, the character earns both experience points and in-game currency called NG ("Not Gold"). When the player accumulates enough experience points, their character will advance to the next level. NG can be used to purchase items such as clubs, balls, clothing, greens fees, and club repair fees. Characters Shot Online is similar to many other MMORPGs in the sense it uses a mixture of player experience and items to increase a players skill. All characters are designed in anime. The game classifies players as Beginner, Amateur, Semi-Pro, Tour-Pro, Senior Pro, Master-Pro, Royal-Pro, Grand Royal Pro, Grand Royal Pro II, National Pro, National Pro II and National Pro III. This classification is based on