NetEase Response to Blizzard Entertainment - Local Orc Statue Torn Down

Posted 2023/01/18 at 3:33 PM by Archimtiros

inability to secure a six-month extensionNetEase has issued a fiery responseToday, Blizzard China published "Blizzard on the China region player community update note" through its official WeiBo, some of the news directly pointed to NetEase, and because of the content, triggered a lot of market and media criticism, we would like to explain the following.

First, about "NetEase refused the six-month service extension proposed by Blizzard" explanation.

On November 17, 2022, Activision Blizzard announced that it would suspend the service of Blizzard games distributed by Shanghai NetEase in mainland China, effective at 00:00 on January 24, 2023.

Blizzard China issued an updated statement today (January 17, 2023) stating that during this period Blizzard has initiated a search for a new partner. For unknowable reasons, last week Blizzard re-sought NetEase with an offer of a so-called six-month extension of the game service and other conditions, and made it clear that it would not stop continuing negotiations with other potential partners during the contract extension. And as far as we know, Blizzard's negotiations with other companies during the same period were all based on a three-year contract period. Considering the non-reciprocity, unfairness and other conditions attached to the cooperation, therefore, the parties could not reach an agreement in the end.

In our view, Blizzard's proposal - including today's surprise announcement - is brash, unseemly and commercially illogical. Its overconfidence does not take into account where players and NetEase have been placed by this kind of demand everything, Riding a mule while looking for a horse, and divorce but still try to live together behavior.

Second, the media reported that "NetEase wants to control the IP" statement.

We are concerned that some media have received rumors that NetEase wants to control Blizzard IP. In the past 14 years of long-term cooperation, NetEase has used and licensed any Blizzard IP in accordance with the terms of the contract, and has obtained Blizzard's consent and approval. All IP cooperation with other partners is also based on this principle.

Third, some tips about the progress archives of World of Warcraft game players.

For Blizzard China in its statement mentioned about tomorrow (Beijing time January 18, 2023) launch of the "World of Warcraft" game progress archive feature, we are obliged to remind all players, this feature by Blizzard is unilaterally proposed and developed online, without NetEase side testing, use, there may be unknown security risks. If this feature causes loss of virtual property or inability to play, Blizzard shall bear full responsibility.

Description as above, commitment as follows.

When the farewell is destined to become the final chapter of the story, NetEase also still hope to do their best to accompany the players through the last time, to serve the players to the last moment. From now on, no matter where you are, no matter where you want to go, may the wind guide your path, may the stars light your way forward.

Of course, the most important thing is to wish everyone a happy New Year.NetEase Cutting Ties - Literally

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Comment by dlbert2000Does this mean Diablo Immortal is dead in China too?Comment by Zapzarap2gigachad moveComment by noz1992Does this mean Diablo Immortal is dead in China too?Comment by azulbaGood.

Hope the Chinese players get their data back intact. After this debacle, I would not be shocked if Blizzard games fell out of popularity with the Chinese market after this ordeal.Comment by rossyysUh oh, their playerbase were almost on Blizzard's side, gotta lie about them and make them look bad ASAP.

we are obliged to remind all players, this feature by Blizzard is unilaterally proposed and developed online, without NetEase side testing, use, there may be unknown security risks.Comment by jwvogelMy first thought when reading was sweet, there is an orc statue for sale on the black market! Then I saw them massacre my (zug zuggy) boi!Comment by Voyleso where is the dirt? Blizzard is exploring all their potential partners is not really that appetizing in the west.Comment by VoyleUh oh, their playerbase were almost on Blizzard's side, gotta lie about them and make them look bad ASAP.

we are obliged to remind all players, this feature by Blizzard is unilaterally proposed and developed online, without NetEase side testing, use, there may be unknown security risks.Comment by Daesongwerid flex
"Blizzard is the bad guys don't use their service for backing up your account since we didn't agree to keep the servers running"

"Blizzard is the bad guy but look at us live streaming destroying a statue of the game you enjoy playing"

uhh....okay i guessComment by belgaerUh oh, their playerbase were almost on Blizzard's side, gotta lie about them and make them look bad ASAP.Comment by mewhywhyNetease being mad? Thats a new one kekw,

Netease is a horrible !@#$ company and anyone that think they are the victim here should look up the company and their past ordeals with other companies. Glad Blizzard got rid of Neatease and can now look forward to a better publisher.Comment by OmegachungyProbably the one time anyone can defend Blizzard with impunity.Comment by BrunopolarWILD that such a big company like NetEase is essentially throwing an online middle finger and tantrum. Either discussion broke down so bad they're burning bridges, or it's a message to other companies: something to the tune of if you don't play in their court, you'll get publically shamed (by NetEase).Comment by BambiprsiOh, im not a big fan of capitalist corporations at all, but capitalist corporations working at communist regime will is even worse. good actiblizz will loose those leeches.Comment by Wahoo123gaProbably the one time anyone can defend Blizzard with impunity.Comment by IgzornGood.

Hope the Chinese players get their data back intact. After this debacle, I would not be shocked if Blizzard games fell out of popularity with the Chinese market after this ordeal.Comment by BeleafsIt's a totally different game in China, where you could literally buy anything if you are willing to spend, from leveling to 20+ M+ runs, RAID gears, PVP ranks, rare hunter pets, etc. This is a result of a loose account bans enforcement, and the token price is like 4-5 times compare to other regions.Comment by BreetDidn't green tea originate in China?

Sucks for the playerbase tho :(Comment by AlariusGood, time to bring back the majority of the business focus to bettering the western markets first... where they started... instead of the other way around just to make a buck.Comment by ZoomBWILD that such a big company like NetEase is essentially throwing an online middle finger and tantrum. Either discussion broke down so bad they're burning bridges, or it's a message to other companies: something to the tune of if you don't play in their court, you'll get publically shamed (by NetEase).For unknowable reasons, last week Blizzard re-sought NetEase with an offer of a so-called six-month extension of the game service and other conditions, and made it clear that it would not stop continuing negotiations with other potential partners during the contract extension. And as far as we know, Blizzard's negotiations with other companies during the same period were all based on a three-year contract period. Considering the non-reciprocity, unfairness and other conditions attached to the cooperation, therefore, the parties could not reach an agreement in the end.

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