what's the company that blizzard is using in China for Diablo the immortal

China had undergone an overhaul of how they regulate foreign owned video game businesses as well. Blizzard had to change the drop rates for lootboxes on their team shooter Overwatch. However, the issues involved are about more than money, at least, the money NetEase would be making.Ī year before the NetEase contract, all the way back in 2007, Blizzard was compelled to comply with new China business regulations.

We actually reported on Blizzard revealing that this contract was ending, and that they were in the middle of negotiations with NetEase. Their enthusiasm and creativity inspire us, and we are looking for alternatives to bring our games back to players in the future.”

“We’re immensely grateful for the passion our Chinese community has shown throughout the nearly 20 years we’ve been bringing our games to China through NetEase and other partners. Follow me on Twitter while it’s still around.Blizzard Entertainment president Mike Ybarra shared this statement: You'd be doing me a solid, too - it's a great way to support me and my work at no cost. After a backlash, the company later reduced the punishments against Blitzchung and others who were connected to the incident.įor more gaming news, analysis and insight, follow my Forbes blog ! You'll get a weekly round-up email that includes everything I publish. Some believed that Blizzard acted to protect its Chinese business interests.

In 2019, many criticized Blizzard for punishing pro Hearthstone player Blitzchung, who voiced support for protestors in Hong Kong during an esports broadcast. As Bloomberg points out, at least 3% of the company’s 2021 net revenue came from the country. We’ll surely find out more details soon.Ĭhina has been an important market for Activision Blizzard over the last several years. NetEase actually owns one of them, Shanghai Dragons, the 2021 world champions. I’m particularly curious about what this will mean for Overwatch 2 and the Overwatch League, which has several teams based in China.

What's the company that blizzard is using in China for Diablo the immortal