Citing data from DFC Intelligence, ArenaNet says fantasy MMO game off to fastest start in Europe and North America of all time; player base stands to double when released in China.

Guild Wars II is the fastest-selling massively multiplayer online role-playing game in North America and Europe of all time, developer ArenaNet announced today.

The announcement was based on data from DFC Intelligence, a market research and consulting firm for interactive entertainment. The full report was not made public.

Sales of Guild Wars II in North America and Europe reached more than 3 million units in January.

According to DFC Intelligence analyst David Cole, Guild Wars II is in an "impressive position" heading into the game's release in China. Historically, similar franchises stand to grow substantially when released in the Chinese market, Cole said.

ArenaNet said Guild Wars II has the potential to see its player base double when it's released in China. To bring the fantasy MMO game to China, ArenaNet has partnered with KongZhong Corporation. No date for the game's release in China has been announced.

The developer also announced today that a free trial for Guild Wars II will begin on Friday, August 23, and run through Sunday, August 25. Those interested in participating can sign up through the game's website.

For more on Guild Wars II, check out GameSpot's review.

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