Audition Online (Korean:
오디션 온라인), also known as
X-BEAT in Japan, is a downloadable multiplayer online casual rhythm game produced by T3 Entertainment. It was originally released in South Korea in 2004, but it has been localized by various publishers around the world. Audition Online is free to play but it earns its revenue by selling virtual items such as clothes for the player's avatar. It currently has over 300 million players worldwide.
In South Korea, PSP (called Audition Portable) and cellphone versions were released on June 1, 2007 and June 4, 2007 respectively.
On June 12, 2008, Season 2 was first officially released in Korea. Currently, Korean Audition, China Audition, Thailand Audition, Indonesian Audition, AuditionSEA, AuditionEu, Vietnam Audition, Philippines Audition, North American Audition, Brazil Audition, X-BEAT have updated to Season 2. Audition Season 2 features a new interface, sound system, expressions, and many new features.
During fall 2008, Audition 2, the sequel, was discovered to be in the making. On April 28, 2010, closed beta will officially begin.
Popularity
Audition's popularity began in South Korean and global versions of the game. Due to hacking in the global server, Bugs Corporation discontinued the server. Noticing the increasing popularity of the game, T3 Entertainment and Yedang Online began localizing it in other regions including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, North America, Thailand, Taiwan, South East Asia, Vietnam, Brazil, United Kingdom, and Remaining European Countries. The Asian and North American versions remain the most popular, with millions of members registered.
Available regions
| Region | Official Name | Language | Countries | Local publishers | Registration Requirements |
| South Korea | 오디션
Club Audition | Korean | South Korea | Bugs Corp. (2008)
Yedang Online, and HanbitON | A Korean Social Security Number is required to play. |
| Japan | X-BEAT | Japanese | Japan | Hanbit Ubiquitous Entertainment Inc. | No registration requirements. |
| China | 劲舞团 | Simplified Chinese | China | 9you.com | Chinese Identification Number is required. |
| Philippines | Dance Battle Audition Philippines | English | Philippines | IP E-Games Ventures, Inc. | No registration requirements. |
| South East Asia | AuditionSEA | English | Singapore
Malaysia
Thailand | AsiaSoft Online Pte, Ltd. | A National ID (Identification Card) of any country is required. |
| Thailand | Audition Online Dance Battle | Thai | Thailand | Asiasoft Corporation Co., Ltd. | Thailand identification number is required. |
| Vietnam | Nhịp điệu cuộc sống | Vietnamese | Vietnam | VTC - Game Online | No registration requirements as of 9/12/06. |
| Taiwan | 勁舞團 | Traditional Chinese | Taiwan | Insrea Game Center Corporation | Taiwanese Identification Number is required. |
| Hong Kong | 勁舞團 | Traditional Chinese | Hong Kong | 9you.com and Gameone | Hong Kong Identity Card Number is required. |
| North America | Audition Online Dance Battle | English | United States
Canada | Redbana US Corp. (previously NEXON America) | No registration requirements. |
| Latin America | Dance Mania Audition | Spanish | South America
Mexico
Central America | Axeso5 | No registration requirements. |
| Indonesia | Audition AyoDance | Indonesian | Indonesia | PT Megaxus Infotech | No registration requirements. |
| Brazil | Audition Online Dance Battle | Brazilian Portuguese | Brazil | Hazit Online | No registration requirements. |
| Europe | Audition Europe | English German French Spanish Italian | All European Countries | Burda:ic GmbH (alaplaya) | No registration requirements. |