A recent report reveals that NetEase declined to extend its partnership with Activision Blizzard to provide game services in China. The company behind Overwatch, World of Warcraft, and other major titles announced last year that it would no longer continue its game services in China starting January 23.

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The news came out in a Weibo post from Blizzard China, where the post lamented NetEase’s decision. “It is a pity that NetEase is not willing to extend services of our game for another six months on the basis of existing terms as we look for a new partner,” the post reads. When asked by Reuters to comment on the matter, NetEase declined to make a statement. 

China boasts one of the largest gaming communities in the world, with games such as Overwatch and World of Warcraft being fairly popular among the Chinese player base. Once the games become officially suspended on the 23rd, Chinese players will either have to play on other game servers or simply play other games entirely.

Many video game studios and companies typically need the assistance of a local publisher in China to help maneuver the country’s strict regulations surrounding video games. Without the partnership, Activision Blizzard will likely be unable to operate in the region until it can find another suitable publisher to handle the company’s game services. 

Source: Reuters