Blizzard grants NetEase greater decision-making power over its games in China
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Blizzard Entertainment’s renewed partnership with NetEase has given the Chinese firm more decision-making power.
According to a report by Yicai Global, spotted by Niko Partners, Blizzard’s US headquarters has also streamlined its review process to better accommodate the Chinese publisher’s input.
“Different preferences”
The news follows Blizzard’s president Johanna Faries visit to China to strengthen partnerships and engage with regional employees on her one-year anniversary in the role.
Both companies resumed operations in April 2024 after their 2022 fallout. NetEase’s project leader Wei Kai said that the US developer’s increased flexibility could lead to China-exclusive content, including culturally inspired skins.
“Blizzard’s team recognises that Chinese players have different preferences from Western players,” said Wei.
They added that it’s important for the local operations team to communicate more ideas to the development team to help them understand Chinese players’ needs.
