China’s NetEase tumbles after ending 14-year gaming deal with Blizzard

Blizzard Entertainment said on Thursday it will no longer offer games such as ‘World of Warcraft’ and ‘Hearthstone’ in China from next year once its deal with NetEase ends, prompting shares in the Chinese internet giant to tumble.

California-based Blizzard said it was unable to reach a deal with NetEase that was “consistent with Blizzard’s operating principles and commitments to players and employees.”