Blizzard and NetEase Resolve Dispute, Bringing Back 'World of Warcraft' and Top Games to China
Following the resolution of their dispute, gaming powerhouse NetEase announces the return of beloved titles like 'World of Warcraft' by Blizzard Entertainment to the Chinese market. This exciting development was confirmed in a joint statement released by the companies on Wednesday.
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China’s NetEase, a leading gaming company, announced on Wednesday that they will be reintroducing popular video games like “World of Warcraft” from Microsoft’s Blizzard Entertainment back into the country.
Blizzard, based in California, and NetEase, based in Hangzhou, ended their 15-year partnership in 2023 following a difficult breakup, which left many fans in China feeling disappointed.
In a statement posted on NetEase Games' official Weibo account, the companies announced that after a year of discussions, they are happy to have reached an agreement to resume serving players in mainland China.
The statement announced that a new deal has been made for the return of popular games like "World of Warcraft" and "Hearthstone" to China. Other titles from the Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft universes will also be included.
One of the games, "World of Warcraft" or "WoW," is a widely loved online multiplayer game where players can battle monsters and explore the medieval realm of Azeroth.
The companies announced that the games will start re-entering the Chinese market starting this summer. Further information will be shared at a later time.
William Ding, Chief Executive Officer and Director of NetEase, expressed excitement for the upcoming chapter. He mentioned that it is based on trust and mutual respect, aiming to continue serving the users in the community they have collectively built.
Foreign publishers looking to offer video games in China need to collaborate with local partners. In November 2022, Blizzard and NetEase decided not to renew their licensing deals due to disagreements over key terms.
In a separate agreement, Microsoft Gaming and NetEase are working together to potentially introduce new titles from the Chinese company to Xbox consoles. This collaboration comes after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, one of the largest video game developers in the world, in 2023.
"Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, expressed our dedication to expanding Blizzard's beloved games to players in China and introducing new titles to Xbox users worldwide. Blizzard’s universes have been a significant part of players' lives in the region for many years."
"In recent years, China has implemented a crackdown on its extensive online gaming industry in an effort to address the perceived issue of gaming addiction among young individuals."
In 2021, China implemented new rules restricting online gaming for young people. Players under 18 are now not allowed to play on weekdays and can only play for up to three hours on most weekends.
This decision is part of China's efforts to regulate companies, particularly those in the Big Tech industry, which it believes have become too dominant.
Editor's P/S:
The return of popular video games like "World of Warcraft" to China signals a significant development in the country's gaming industry. The reintroduction of these beloved titles marks a positive step forward after the tumultuous breakup between Blizzard and NetEase. It is a testament to the enduring passion for these games among Chinese fans and the commitment of the companies involved to provide them with access.
Furthermore, the collaboration between Microsoft Gaming and NetEase highlights the potential for new partnerships and opportunities in the Chinese gaming market. As China continues to grapple with issues of gaming addiction, the industry is adapting to meet regulatory requirements while still providing entertainment and escapism to its vast player base.
