Blizzard games might make a return to China soon with the help of leased servers from South Korea. A reliable source has revealed that a Korean company, which wishes to remain unnamed, is confident in its ability to operate Blizzard games in China using these servers, despite the high costs involved.
In January 2023, Blizzard halted its operations in China following a dispute with NetEase. NetEase was previously in charge of running Blizzard games in China in compliance with the country's stringent media regulations. As a result, for the past year, gamers in China have been unable to legally access any Blizzard games, except for Diablo Immortal, which was released under a separate agreement.
Now, there are talks of Chinese players potentially regaining access to popular Blizzard franchises like Diablo, Overwatch, StarCraft, and Warcraft. A reliable source, Nico_oq, has reported that a South Korean company is considering hosting Blizzard games in China through a leasing agreement. If this speculation turns out to be true and Blizzard gives its approval, the new servers set up by this company could mark the return of Blizzard games to Chinese gamers after a year-long absence. However, the cost of maintaining these servers is incredibly high, and without additional sponsors, this solution might only be temporary.
Twitter article posted by 藤川大輔
Blizzard May Return to China Via Leased Korean Servers
An unnamed company wants to operate Blizzard games in China via leased servers from Korea.
Experts are reportedly preparing these servers, although the company is still waiting for permission from Blizzard to proceed.
Without sponsorship, the maintenance of these servers may prove to be costly, indicating that it may not be a permanent solution.
Chinese gamers have been unable to access several Blizzard games in the past year. Diablo 4, Overwatch 2, and World of Warcraft: Dragonflight were all unavailable due to the dissolution of the NetEase agreement and server closures shortly after launch. However, World of Warcraft fans have the opportunity to save their characters' data for a potential return if a new leasing deal is finalized.
Diablo 4 Lilith artwork flat shadows edit - Though Nico_oq is a trusted source of information, it is important to note that nothing is set in stone yet
While Nico_oq is a reliable source of information, it is crucial to remember that nothing is confirmed at this point. Blizzard has not officially announced anything regarding this matter, and the possibility of the leasing agreement going through is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the potential return of Chinese players after a year is a promising development. With recent layoffs causing some setbacks for Blizzard, reentering the Chinese market would be a significant victory for both the company and its loyal fanbase.
Editor's P/S:
The potential return of Blizzard games to China through leased Korean servers is an exciting prospect for gamers in the region. After a year-long absence, Chinese players may soon be able to relive the thrill of Diablo, Overwatch, StarCraft, and Warcraft. However, the high maintenance costs associated with these servers raise concerns about the longevity of this solution. Without additional sponsorships, the accessibility of Blizzard games in China could once again be short-lived.
It is encouraging to see Blizzard exploring alternative options to re-enter the Chinese market, especially considering the recent setbacks the company has faced. The return of Chinese players would not only benefit Blizzard financially but also reinvigorate the company's global gaming community. However, it is essential to approach this development with cautious optimism, as the official confirmation and approval of the leasing agreement are still pending.
