In a significant development, Blizzard Entertainment has reached an agreement with China’s NetEase to reintroduce its popular videogame titles to the mainland Chinese market. This move comes after a year-long feud that had disrupted the availability of Blizzard games in China. As part of the renewed partnership, famed franchises like Diablo, Hearthstone, Overwatch, and StarCraft will once again be accessible to players in China.
A Rocky History
The relationship between NetEase and Blizzard hit a rough patch in January of last year when the two companies failed to agree on an extension. The fallout led to a 15% plunge in NetEase shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Blizzard suspended most online game services and sales in mainland China, cutting off a lucrative collaboration for both parties. Notably, the highly anticipated release of Diablo IV in June 2023 was not officially available in China due to the dispute.
Now, with the new agreement, Blizzard games are set to return to the Chinese market sequentially, starting this summer. The companies are working to restart services, solve technical issues, and ensure a smooth transition for players. Account progress will be preserved when the servers are back online.
Microsoft’s Role
Microsoft, which acquired Activision Blizzard in a record-breaking $69 billion deal in October, played a pivotal role in salvaging this partnership. The combined entity now ranks third among global games publishers, behind Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Sony Group Corp. The renewed commitment to players in China demonstrates Microsoft’s dedication to expanding gaming opportunities worldwide.
As the giant statue of World of Warcraft’s legendary Gorehowl axe is rebuilt at NetEase’s Hangzhou campus, fans can look forward to a fresh start. Both companies have promised to work closely together, ensuring that Blizzard’s iconic games find their way back into the hands of millions of community members in China.
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