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Microsoft, NetEase to relaunch Warcraft game in China, ending feud

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Microsoft, NetEase to relaunch Warcraft game in China, ending feud

Chinese gaming company NetEase has announced that it is working with Microsoft to reintroduce popular games like World of Warcraft back into the Chinese market. This collaboration comes after a fallout between NetEase and Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, which ended their decade-long partnership in 2023. The new agreement will see NetEase publish Blizzard's games in China once again, starting this summer. Additionally, Microsoft and NetEase will explore the possibility of bringing new NetEase titles to Microsoft's gaming platforms. The move is expected to please the millions of Chinese gamers who were disappointed by the previous termination of the partnership.

Related News

Garena Postpones Launch of Free Fire India mobile game

CityLife Capetown

CityLife Capetown · 1y ago

Garena Postpones Launch of Free Fire India mobile game

Singapore-based online games developer and publisher, Garena, has postponed the relaunch of the popular Free Fire India mobile game. Originally scheduled for relaunch, Garena aims to refine gameplay and complete the localization process for the Indian audience. The game had been banned in India, along with 50 other China-linked apps, in January 2022. Garena plans to introduce localized features, including parental oversight verification, gameplay restrictions, and 'take a break' reminders, to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for Indian players.

China softening stance on gaming after $80 billion rout, approves 105 domestic games

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

China softening stance on gaming after $80 billion rout, approves 105 domestic games

China has approved 105 domestic games, including those operated by Tencent and NetEase, the country's leading game publishers. This move suggests a softening stance from Beijing after recent industry restrictions led to an $80 billion market rout. The gaming industry association commented that the approvals demonstrate Chinese authorities' support for the development of online gaming. However, there are still concerns among industry players and investors about potential further tech crackdowns following the introduction of new rules to limit online game development.

China’s cyberspace regulator summons Alibaba’s Quark, Netease CC over vulgar content

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

China’s cyberspace regulator summons Alibaba’s Quark, Netease CC over vulgar content

China's Cyberspace Regulator Summons Alibaba's Quark, Netease CC Over Vulgar Content The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) summoned Alibaba's Quark and Netease CC for failing to regulate vulgar and improper content on their platforms. This move comes as part of China's ongoing campaign to tighten control over the country's internet sector. The CAC has been cracking down on various tech companies, including Alibaba and Tencent, for issues related to monopolistic behavior, data privacy, and content censorship.

Uncertainty Looms Over Free Fire’s India Launch

Inc42 · 1y ago

Uncertainty Looms Over Free Fire’s India Launch

The relaunch of Garena Free Fire in India remains uncertain, according to Sea's CEO Forrest Li. The battle royale game was among the 54 Chinese apps banned in India in February 2022. Li mentioned that Sea is actively working with stakeholders to determine the best plan for the game's relaunch, highlighting the potential benefits in terms of user base and bookings. This news comes after the initial tease of the game's relaunch eight months ago, with no clear timeline provided. Sea had previously committed to localising the game's server and making it exclusive to India.

Microsoft names 'Call of Duty' executive Johanna Faries as Blizzard's president

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Microsoft names 'Call of Duty' executive Johanna Faries as Blizzard's president

Microsoft has announced the appointment of Johanna Faries, a former executive at Call of Duty, as the President of Blizzard, the gaming division of Activision Blizzard. Faries will oversee the development of popular games like World of Warcraft and Overwatch. This move comes as Microsoft aims to strengthen its presence in the gaming industry with its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Garena’s Free Fire poised to return to India with localized features

Entrackr

Entrackr · 1y ago

Garena’s Free Fire poised to return to India with localized features

Singapore-based game developer Garena, the digital entertainment arm of Sea Group, is relaunching its popular Free Fire game in India as "Free Fire India." The game was banned in India along with 53 other mobile apps in 2020. The rebranded version will be available for download on September 5 and features local cloud hosting by Yotta, safety features, and content tailored for Indian users. Garena has partnered with cricketer MS Dhoni as a brand ambassador for the game. Garena's move follows Krafton's relaunch of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) after the PUBG ban.

Tencent turns to ByteDance in gaming showdown with NetEase

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Tencent turns to ByteDance in gaming showdown with NetEase

Tencent is leveraging ByteDance's advertising platforms to promote its significant video game release, "DreamStar," signaling improved relations and heightened competition in China's gaming industry. Despite a history of mutual exclusion from their platforms, Tencent has chosen to advertise DreamStar heavily on ByteDance's Pangolin platform. This unexpected collaboration comes as ByteDance withdraws from gaming competition with Tencent and NetEase, focusing on its core platform operations. Analysts anticipate DreamStar to earn up to 6 billion yuan in its first year, competing with NetEase's Eggy Party, boosted by advertising on ByteDance platforms.

China regulator removes draft video game rules from website; shares jump

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

China regulator removes draft video game rules from website; shares jump

China's gaming regulator has removed draft rules from its website aimed at curbing spending and rewards in video games. The removal of the rules, which caused market turmoil when they were first announced, suggests that there may be further changes in the measures. The proposed rules included setting spending limits for online games and banning features that incentivize players to spend in the game. Shares of Tencent Holdings and NetEase rose following the removal of the draft rules. Analysts believe that articles 17 and 18, which are the most contentious, may be removed or changed in the final rule.

Microsoft ditches Android for Apple iPhones in China, citing security and authentication issues | Mint

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Microsoft ditches Android for Apple iPhones in China, citing security and authentication issues | Mint

Starting in September, Microsoft will provide Apple iPhones to its employees in China who currently use Android devices. This move aims to improve security and gain access to necessary authentication apps. Microsoft employees in China using Android devices from manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi will have the option to purchase an Apple iPhone 15 as a one-time replacement. This decision was made due to Google's unavailability of mobile services in China, preventing users from downloading critical security apps like Microsoft Authenticator and Identity Pass.

Microsoft is working on an Xbox AI chatbot

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

Microsoft is working on an Xbox AI chatbot

Microsoft is testing an AI-powered Xbox chatbot to provide support to users. The chatbot, an "embodied AI character," can respond to queries and process refunds, connected to Microsoft's support documents for Xbox. It aims to make it easier for players to get help using natural language. The prototype is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to bring AI to its gaming platform, including AI features for game content creation, AI-generated assets, AI game testing, and AI-assisted game experiences. Microsoft is also considering AI-powered Copilots for moderation tasks and adding AI assistants into games.

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