Microsoft, NetEase to Bring Back ‘World of Warcraft,’ Other Blizzard Games to China After Conflict Ends

Microsoft and Blizzard Entertainment have finally resolved their issues with NetEase Inc., a Chinese internet technology company. With the end of the dispute, the American game publisher will be able to relaunch its games in China.

Microsoft-owned Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase said on Wednesday, April 10, that they have signed a new agreement to bring popular games back to the region. According to Reuters, the companies are now working together to resume online games services.

New Deal After the Fallout

China's NetEase served as the local publisher of Blizzard's games in the territory, but they ran into a problem last year that led to the break up of their nearly 15-year partnership. As a result, the games were pulled out, leaving avid players very disappointed.

With the end of their feud, Blizzard and NetEase confirmed the beloved game titles, including "Hearthstone," "Overwatch," "Warcraft," "Diablo," and "StarCraft" franchises, are coming back for players in the country to enjoy. This is possible after the companies struck a new deal that will effectively revive their cooperation.

Blizzard and NetEase's Renewed Commitment to Gamers

Blizzard brought many popular game titles to China, and local gamers have been playing them since their launch. The "WOW" game alone is estimated to have about five million players in the country since NetEase became its publisher.

However, their conflict got in the way, and players were deprived of the Blizzard games for some time. Now that the companies have buried the hatchet, they have renewed their commitment to offer Chinese fans the best games, entertainment, and services.

"We at Blizzard are thrilled to reestablish our partnership with NetEase and to work together, with a deep appreciation for the collaboration between our teams, to deliver legendary gaming experiences to players in China," Blizzard Entertainment's president, Johanna Faries, said in a press release.

NetEase's CEO and director, William Ding, added, "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 have built together."

Finally, Microsoft Gaming's chief, Phil Spencer, said that Blizzard and NetEase have done a great deal just to restart their commitments to gamers in China. "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 worldwide," he said.

Photo by: Blizzard Entertainment Press Release