Big Blizzard News
Asmongold TV
13 min, 18 sec
The video covers the news of Blizzard's return to the Chinese market through a renewed partnership with NetEase, along with implications for Xbox and Chinese gamers.
Summary
- Blizzard games are returning to China in the summer of 2024 after the renewal of their partnership with NetEase.
- The deal includes potential for NetEase games on Xbox platforms, hinting at future collaborations between Microsoft and NetEase.
- Chinese players will regain access to games like World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Overwatch, which had been unavailable due to the expired Blizzard-NetEase contract.
- The renewal is seen as a result of Microsoft's acquisition of Blizzard, leveraging their influence to mend business relations.
Chapter 1
Explains the context of Blizzard's games going offline in China due to the end of a 14-year deal with NetEase.
- In November 2022, Blizzard's games went offline in China, affecting titles like World of Warcraft and Overwatch.
- To operate in China, a partnership with a local company is necessary; Blizzard's partner was NetEase.
- The contract expiration impacted all Blizzard games except Diablo Immortal, which was co-developed with NetEase.
Chapter 2
Announcement of Blizzard and NetEase renewing their commitment, allowing Chinese players access to Blizzard's universe.
- Phil Spencer of Xbox tweeted about Blizzard and NetEase's renewed commitment to Chinese players.
- The renewal will bring back millions of Chinese players to Blizzard games.
- Microsoft's acquisition of Blizzard is believed to have facilitated the renewed partnership.
Chapter 3
Discusses Microsoft's role in the Blizzard-NetEase deal and the potential for future game releases on Xbox.
- Microsoft's acquisition of Blizzard likely gave them leverage to repair the relationship with NetEase.
- An agreement to explore bringing NetEase titles to Xbox consoles may lead to new gaming experiences for Xbox users.
- The partnership suggests a broader strategy of Microsoft to expand Game Pass offerings.
Chapter 4
Speculates on the reasons behind the original contract cancellation between Blizzard and NetEase.
- Articles suggested the relationship between Blizzard and China soured, with one individual possibly causing the breakdown.
- Speculation arises whether former Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was responsible, though doubts are expressed due to his profit-driven nature.
Chapter 5
Explores the possibility of NetEase games becoming available on Xbox in light of the new partnership.
- With the renewed partnership, NetEase games might be added to Xbox, possibly to Game Pass.
- NetEase owns a broad portfolio of games, creating an opportunity for a diverse range of titles to be introduced to Xbox.
Chapter 6
Emphasizes the positive impact on Chinese gamers and the gaming community with the return of Blizzard games to China.
- Chinese players, previously unable to access their favorite Blizzard games, will soon be able to play them again.
- The return of Blizzard games to China may also impact the global gaming landscape with the potential addition of NetEase titles to Xbox.
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