BEIJING, Nov. 2, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- Shanda Games (NASDAQ:GAME) Ltd. (GAME.NASDAQ) will be inclined to merge with more mature online game companies via its "18 Fund" investment branch while extending financial support to developing web game products, reported Finet.HK on Monday, citing Li Yu, company CEO.

Nearly 10 of the 40 programs invested in by 18 Fund, launched in July of 2007 by Shanda to promote online game talent and content, are preparing for public listings, the report quoted Li saying at the sidelines of a Sunday-held forum.

Shanda Games will likely invest 500 million yuan within three years into at least 40 programs, disclosed Li.

The move reflects Shanda Games' desire for bright future prospects, as Li noted the company was expecting an above average annual industry growth of 18.4 percent in the impending five years, according to the report.

Shanda Games is a NASDAQ-listed subsidiary of Chinese leading online game operator Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. (NASDAQ:SNDA) (SNDA.NASDAQ). Nearly ninety percent of the latter's operating income comes from online game operations.

Shanda Games raised 1.04 billion US dollar in its September initial public offering; the largest in the US this year by fund amount.