Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase Reunite to Bring Blizzard's Games Back to China
In a surprise move for the Chinese gaming market, Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft Gaming, and NetEase have announced a renewed partnership aimed at bringing beloved gaming titles back to the Chinese market. Following a year of negotiations, the agreement marks the return of iconic games from Blizzard Entertainment to mainland China, starting in the summer of 2024.
Which Games Are Returning to China?
Under the renewed publishing deal, players in China can expect to dive back into World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and other renowned franchises such as Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft. The partnership between Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase, which spans over 15 years, has laid the foundation for this resurgence, with both companies committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences to Chinese players once again.
Johanna Faries, President of Blizzard Entertainment, expressed excitement about the reestablishment of their partnership with NetEase, highlighting their dedication to delivering legendary gaming experiences. "We are immensely grateful for the passion the Chinese community has shown for Blizzard games throughout the years, and we are focused on bringing our universes back to players with excellence and dedication," Faries stated.
William Ding, CEO of NetEase, echoed Faries' sentiments, emphasizing the importance of trust and mutual respect in the renewed collaboration. "Celebrating our collaborations, we are thrilled to embark on the next chapter, built on trust and mutual respect, to serve our users in this unique community that we’ve built together," Ding remarked.
In addition to the revival of Blizzard Entertainment titles in China, Microsoft Gaming and NetEase have also announced a broader collaboration. The strategic partnership aims to explore opportunities to bring new NetEase titles to Xbox consoles and other platforms.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, underscored the significance of the partnership in expanding gaming accessibility globally. "Returning Blizzard’s legendary games to players in China while exploring ways to bring more new titles to Xbox demonstrates our commitment to bringing more games to more players around the world," Spencer affirmed.
The news of Blizzard Entertainment's return to China and the enhanced collaboration between Microsoft Gaming and NetEase has been met with anticipation and excitement within the gaming community. Players can expect further details regarding the relaunch plans for Blizzard titles in the coming months, as both companies work tirelessly to deliver unparalleled gaming experiences to Chinese audiences.