NetEase, Blizzard to bring back titles after renewing partnership

Chinese tech company NetEase Inc announced on Wednesday that it has signed a renewed partnership with US-based online game company Blizzard Entertainment to bring the latter's game services back to China this summer.

The publishing agreement will encompass games Chinese players had access to under the previous agreement, such as World of Warcraft and Hearthstone.

Building upon more than 15 years of past collaboration, Blizzard and NetEase are working on the relaunch plans, with further details to be unveiled at a later date, according to NetEase.

Separately, Microsoft Gaming and NetEase have entered into an agreement to explore bringing new NetEase titles to Microsoft's Xbox consoles and other platforms.

"Our commitment to providing more exhilarating and creative entertainment experience remains unwavering, and we are excited to see positive synergies fostered to encourage and empower collaborations to bring the joy of gaming to a broad community," said Ding Lei, CEO of NetEase in a statement.

Blizzard has had licensing agreements with NetEase since 2008. However, it suspended most of game services on the Chinese mainland due to the expiration of the licensing agreements with NetEase Inc from Jan 23, 2023.