Blizzard and NetEase Resolve Dispute, ‘World of Warcraft’ Returns to China
In a significant development for gaming enthusiasts in China, Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase have announced the resolution of their dispute, paving the way for the return of iconic titles such as “World of Warcraft” to the country.
The California-based Blizzard and the Hangzhou-based NetEase had severed their longstanding partnership in 2023 amid disagreements, leaving millions of Chinese gamers disappointed.
After a year of negotiations, the two companies have reached an agreement to once again offer popular games to players in mainland China, as revealed in a joint statement posted on NetEase Games’ official Weibo account.
The renewed partnership will see the reintroduction of beloved titles like “World of Warcraft” and “Hearthstone,” along with other games from the Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft series, bringing joy to gaming communities across China.
“World of Warcraft,” a massively multiplayer online game set in the fantasy realm of Azeroth, holds a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide.
According to the announcement, these games will gradually make their comeback to the Chinese market starting this summer, with additional details to follow in due course.
William Ding, CEO and Director of NetEase, expressed excitement about the prospect of serving the gaming community once again, emphasizing the importance of trust and mutual respect in their partnership.
In addition to the Blizzard-NetEase collaboration, Microsoft Gaming and NetEase have struck an agreement to explore the possibility of introducing new titles from the Chinese company to Xbox consoles. This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, highlighted the significance of returning Blizzard’s legendary games to Chinese players while also expressing a commitment to expanding gaming accessibility globally.
The announcement comes amidst China’s regulatory crackdown on the online gaming industry, aimed at addressing concerns over gaming addiction among young people. Beijing’s measures, including restrictions on gaming hours for minors, reflect a broader effort to regulate Big Tech and promote healthier online habits.
