Chinese MMOG developer Giant Interactive Group (NYSE: GA) announced that its IPO shares priced last night at $15.50 per share, above the $12-$14 range it had indicated last month. A total of 57.2 million shares were sold in the offering on NYSE, with 52.4 million coming from the company itself, bringing its gross proceeds $813 million. Another 8.6 million shares will be available to cover over-allotments, if needed. Giant is a holding company based in the Cayman Islands that owns Giant Network, which makes online multiplayer games in China.

Its shares rose 23 percent on its debut day today, and rose to $19.30 shortly after midday on NYSE.  Release.

Three Giant Interactive rivals in China—Shanda Interactive (NSDQ: SNDA), NetEase and The9 Ltd—are listed on Nasdaq. Giant’s revenues rose ninefold in the first six months of the year to 687.4 million yuan ($92 million), while its net income surged nearly twelvefold to 512.3 million yuan. It is smaller than the other three, but has been building up fast.

• Chinese Online Game Developer Giant Interactive Looking to Raise $735 Million in IPO