A Chinese government call for suspension of economic activities surrounding online games in China in deference to the dead and injured of last week's earthquake has closed the games for China's top online game firms.

The9 says it will suspend the operations of World of Warcraft, Soul of The Ultimate Nation, Granado Espada, Joyful Journey West, and MU from May 19, 2008 to May 21, 2008, in response to the government's call for three days of mourning for the earthquake tragedy in Southeast China. The operations of the foregoing games will be reestablished starting from the calendar day of May 22, 2008.

Rival Shanda says it will resume its game services at 1:00 A.M. on May 22, 2008. Perfect World will resume its game services at at the start of May 22, 2008 in accordance with the end of the three-day national mourning.

The earthquake hit Sichuan province last Monday, May 12, 2008, leaving thousands dead and many more injured. From today until May 21, China will observe a three-minute moment of silence each day at 14:28.

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