Blizzard has announced a new partnership with NetEase to bring back popular games in China. In the same vein, NetEase looks to collaborate with Microsoft to bring new titles to Xbox consoles.
Xbox, Blizzard, and NetEase Strike Broad Collaboration Deal
Blizzard Games Returns to China in New Partnership with NetEase
The announcement comes after a period of negotiations between Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase, with both parties expressing enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration. As confirmed by Blizzard on its website today, the collaboration brings popular Blizzard titles like World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and other games from the Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft series back to the Chinese market.
With further details to be shared at a later date, the deal is expected to take effect this summer. NetEase had previously been a publisher of Blizzard games in China since 2008. However, the previous publishing agreement expired in January 2023, leading to the temporary unavailability of Blizzard titles in the region.
"We at Blizzard are thrilled to reestablish our partnership with NetEase and to work together," Blizzard president Johanna Faries said in a statement. "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."
Netease Plans to Launch Their Games on Xbox
In addition to the relaunching of Blizzard games in China, Microsoft Gaming and NetEase also announced a separate agreement to look into bringing new NetEase titles to Xbox consoles and other platforms.
"Blizzard and NetEase have done incredible work to renew our commitment to players – Blizzard’s universes have been part of players’ lives in the region for many years," said Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. "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."
