Microsoft And Mojang Partner With NetEase To Launch Minecraft In China
Microsoft, Mojang, and NetEase announced today that they have partnered to localize Minecraft for the Chinese market. Microsoft and Mojang have signed a "five-year exclusive agreement" in which they are required to license both the PC and mobile editions of Minecraft to "a NetEase, Inc. affiliate in mainland China." According to the agreement, "Mojang will develop a version of Minecraft tailored for the Chinese market and release it in partnership with NetEase." It has yet to be announced what changes might be made for the Chinese version.
NetEase CEO and Founder William Ding had the following to say about the announcement.
We are excited to bring Minecraft to Chinese audiences, and expect our large online community to embrace this preeminent game. With our deep understanding of the Chinese market and our ability to successfully launch world-renowned online and mobile games, we offer a strong platform for the introduction of Minecraft to China's vast user base. We believe this cooperation could leverage the strengths of both Mojang and NetEase, as well as provide the world's largest audience with a superior user experience.
Mojang CEO Jonas Martensson also spoke some words pertaining to the announcement.
We'll always embrace opportunities to bring Minecraft to new players around the world, widening our community, and giving us a new perspective on our game. NetEase understands our long-term vision for Minecraft and supports Mojang's ideals, so we're delighted to have them on board. We look forward to welcoming China's builders and adventurers to the world of Minecraft.
There is no word on a timeline for Minecraft's release in China as of yet.
