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Windows Central
Windows Central
Technology
Samuel Tolbert

Microsoft Gaming's Blizzard Entertainment games are coming back to China thanks to a new deal with NetEase, while also 'exploring ways to bring more new titles to Xbox'

Overwatch 2.

What you need to know

  • Blizzard Entertainment games were published in China with help from Chinese gaming company NetEase until 2022. 
  • The deal ended after relations between the companies reportedly soured, with NetEase president Simon Zhu blaming a "jerk" at Activision Blizzard. 
  • A new deal signed by Microsoft Gaming, Blizzard Entertainment, and NetEase will bring Blizzard's games back to China in summer 2024, including Overwatch 2 and World of Warcraft. 
  • The deal also sees Microsoft Gaming and NetEase exploring bringing NetEase games "to Xbox consoles and other platforms."
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