Blizzard and NetEase Say “See Ya!” After 14 Years of Gaming Glory
On Thursday, November 17, the gaming world jolted as Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase announced the end of their 14‑year partnership. That means beloved titles like World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Overwatch will no longer hit Chinese servers starting next year.
Market Takedown
NetEase shares slid 9 % in Hong Kong after Blizzard said they couldn’t strike a deal that matched its “operating principles and commitments to players and employees.” A quick glance at the numbers makes it clear: the fallout would cost NetEase a small, yet noticeable, chunk of revenue.
Community Shockwave
- Weibo’s trending list exploded with over 100 million views.
- Players shared heartbreak: “My youth was heavily marked by playing Hearthstone,” one fan wrote.
- Another lamented, “I’m so sad. I started playing Blizzard games from 2008… how do I say goodbye?”
What Blizzard Is Saying
Blizzard will suspend new sales in the coming days and let the community know what to expect. By January 24 midnight, the following titles will no longer be available in China:
- World of Warcraft
- Hearthstone
- Warcraft III: Reforged
- Overwatch
- StarCraft series
- Diablo III
- Heroes of the Storm
NetEase Steps Into the Spotlight
Thanks to a 2008 deal with Blizzard, NetEase once rose to become China’s second‑biggest gaming company after Tencent. Now it’s dealing with the exit:
- CEO William Ding assures players that data security will stay top‑priority.
- NetEase notes this ending won’t materially impact its financials.
- The new Diablo Immortal – co‑developed with Blizzard – remains protected under a separate long‑term agreement.
Industry Projections
Daiwa Capital Markets estimates that losing Blizzard’s games could shave 6‑8 % off NetEase’s revenue forecast for next year. Why? Because licensed games account for roughly 10 % of NetEase’s income, and Blizzard makes up 60‑80 % of that portion.
Looking Ahead
While this paperwork marks the close of a historic chapter, it also invites a new adventure for gamers. If you’re feeling nostalgic, remember: the next time you open a game, there’s always a tiny, bittersweet echo inside the digital realm that says, “thanks for the memories.”
