Blizzard and NetEase Extend Their Partnership

Blizzard Entertainment has signed a renewed publishing deal with NetEase, set to commence this summer. Additionally, Microsoft has formed a partnership with NetEase to release the company's titles on Xbox consoles and other platforms. The two companies had previously collaborated for 14 years before their agreement expired in 2022 due to unsuccessful renewal negotiations. During their initial partnership, NetEase managed the publishing rights for popular Blizzard titles such as World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and Starcraft. According to Johanna Faries, president of Blizzard Entertainment, "We are excited to reestablish our partnership with NetEase, and we appreciate the collaboration between our teams as we strive to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to players in China." Faries also expressed gratitude for the Chinese community's enthusiasm for Blizzard games and emphasized the company's dedication to bringing its universes back to players with excellence. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer noted, "Blizzard and NetEase have made significant efforts to renew their commitment to players, and Blizzard's universes have been an integral part of players' lives in the region for many years." Spencer added, "By reintroducing Blizzard's iconic games to players in China and exploring opportunities to bring more titles to Xbox, we demonstrate our commitment to making more games accessible to a broader audience worldwide."