Blizzard Entertainment to Pull 'World of Warcraft' From China's Game Market

Blizzard Entertainment to Pull 'World of Warcraft' From China's Game Market

Blizzard Entertainment , to Pull 'World of Warcraft', From China's Game Market.

On November 17, Blizzard Entertainment announced that it was suspending most of its gaming services in China.

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'The New York Times' reports that some of America's most popular gaming franchises, including 'World of Warcraft' and 'Diablo,' will no longer be available in the country.

'The New York Times' reports that some of America's most popular gaming franchises, including 'World of Warcraft' and 'Diablo,' will no longer be available in the country.

A 14-year partnership between two of the world's largest gaming companies will come to an end in the beginning of 2023.

The decision reportedly stems from Activision Blizzard failing to renew its licensing agreement with Chinese publisher and internet company NetEase.

The decision reportedly stems from Activision Blizzard failing to renew its licensing agreement with Chinese publisher and internet company NetEase.

According to the U.S. game developer, the two companies were unable to reach a deal that was , “consistent with Blizzard’s operating principles and commitments to players and employees.”.

According to the U.S. game developer, the two companies were unable to reach a deal that was , “consistent with Blizzard’s operating principles and commitments to players and employees.”.

Activision Blizzard is expected to pull their games from the Chinese market in the coming days.

In a NetEase news release, CEO Wililam Ding cited , "material differences on key terms" as the reason for the longstanding partnership coming to an end.

In a NetEase news release, CEO Wililam Ding cited , "material differences on key terms" as the reason for the longstanding partnership coming to an end.

The 'NYT' reports that Blizzard could still partner with another Chinese distributor, like Tencent, to reestablish its presence in the Chinese game market.

The 'NYT' reports that Blizzard could still partner with another Chinese distributor, like Tencent, to reestablish its presence in the Chinese game market.

In August of 2021, Beijing imposed a crackdown on games, placing even stricter limits and restrictions on the market.

The restrictions were part of a larger push by the Chinese government to pull China's technology companies closer to central government concerns like antitrust and security.

The restrictions were part of a larger push by the Chinese government to pull China's technology companies closer to central government concerns like antitrust and security