What’s next for Blizzard games in China?

Blizzard revealed more information about the future of its games in China. Some games, including Hearthstone, along with several other titles, will no longer be released in China next year because a license with NetEase was not renewed.

In a video, Hearthstone executive producer Nathan Lyons-Smith spoke about the future of Hearthstone and explained that the company is in the process of finding a new publisher for its titles. Until then, however, the games will be discontinued.

Blizzard is looking for a new publisher

Speaking to Hearthstone fans,  said: “As a player, I can imagine how you felt when you heard the news of our game being suspended.” He also added that player enjoyment of Hearthstone’s updates and expansions motivates his team more than anything else. “It’s sad to think we’ll miss those moments following the impending shutdown of the service in January,” Lyons-Smith said. The video was published on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.

“Please hold on. We’re looking at ways to bring the game back for you and the community,” he said. “As we’ve said before, all of us at Blizzard are committed to the Chinese gaming community, and the company is in the process of talking to potential new publishing partners in China.”

He thanked the community for their dedication to Hearthstone and emphasized that his team wants to make the game as good as possible for players around the world. “I look forward to welcoming you back to the Tavern,” he concluded.

Blizzard’s China license dilemma

License agreements with NetEase enabled Blizzard to offer games in China. However, this license has expired and has not been renewed. This will shut down most of Blizzard’s game services in mainland China, at least until a new publisher is eventually found in China.

Blizzard has been working with NetEase for 14 years, but both parties have been unable to reach an agreement to renew the contracts. “Certain games will no longer be available after the end of the license with NetEase on January 23, 2023,” the announcement said.

William Ding, the CEO of NetEase, also commented on the matter. “We have tried very hard and tried with the utmost sincerity to negotiate with Activision Blizzard so that we can continue our cooperation and serve the many dedicated players in China,” he said in the press release.

“However, there were significant differences on key terms and we were unable to reach an agreement,” he added. “We highly value our product and operational standards and honor our commitments to Chinese players.”

Mike Ybarra, Blizzard President, also shared his thoughts, stating in a press release that he is eternally grateful for the passion the Chinese community has shown over the nearly 20 years that Blizzard has been tracking its games through NetEase and other partners brought to China. He also said that Blizzard is looking for alternatives to bring the games back to Chinese fans in the future.

Header: Blizzard Entertainment