NetEase

{{Infobox company

| name = NetEase, Inc.

| logo = Netease logo 2.svg

| image = NetEaseHangzhouOffice.jpg

| image_size = 250px

| image_caption = Headquarters in Hangzhou

| type = Public

| traded_as = {{NASDAQ|NTES}}
{{SEHK|9999}}

| industry = Internet

| founder = Ding Lei

| foundation = {{Start date and age|1997|6}}

| location = Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China{{cite web|url=http://ir.netease.com/shareholder-services/ir-contacts|title=IR Contacts NetEase, Inc.|website=ir.netease.com|access-date=11 June 2020|archive-date=19 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419155530/https://ir.netease.com/shareholder-services/ir-contacts|url-status=live}}

| key_people = Ding Lei (CEO)

| products = Online services
Video games

| revenue = {{increase}} {{CNY | link=yes}} 59.24 billion {{small|(2019)}}{{Cite web | url=http://ir.netease.com/static-files/3e42123b-ccaf-4ed2-8bd1-784261a20ca9 | title=NetEase Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2019 Unaudited Financial Results (PDF) | date=26 February 2020 | access-date=4 May 2020 | archive-date=2 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102135000/https://ir.netease.com/static-files/3e42123b-ccaf-4ed2-8bd1-784261a20ca9 | url-status=live }}

| operating_income = {{increase}} {{CNY}} 13.79 billion {{small|(2019)}}

| net_income = {{increase}} {{CNY}} 21.43 billion {{small|(2019)}}

| assets = {{increase}} {{CNY}} 112.12 billion {{small|(2019)}}

| divisions = NetEase YanXuan
NetEase Cloud Music
NetEase Games (Thunder Fire)
NetEase Games (Interactive Entertainment)
NetEase D&R Center Lab
NetEase Wisdom Enterprise
Youdao
NetEase News

| num_employees = 29,128 (December 2023){{cite web|url=https://ir.netease.com/shareholder-services/investor-faqs|title=Investor FAQs|access-date=4 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126220114/https://ir.netease.com/shareholder-services/investor-faqs|archive-date=26 November 2024|url-status=dead}}

| subsid = See {{section link||Development_studios}}

| homepage = {{URL|www.163.com/|163.com}}

}}

NetEase, Inc. ({{zh|s=网易|t=網易|p=Wǎngyì|j=mong5 ji6}}) is a Chinese Internet technology company founded by Ding Lei in June 1997. It provides online services with content, community, communications, and commerce. The company develops and operates online PC and mobile games, advertising services, email services, and e-commerce platforms in China. It is one of the largest Internet and video game companies in the world.{{cite news|title=Tencent leads the top 25 public game companies with $10.2 billion in revenues {{!}} GamesBeat|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/03/23/tencent-leads-the-top-25-public-game-companies-with-10-2-billion-in-revenues/|work=venturebeat.com|access-date=17 November 2017|archive-date=30 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530033044/https://venturebeat.com/2017/03/23/tencent-leads-the-top-25-public-game-companies-with-10-2-billion-in-revenues/|url-status=live}} The company owns multiple pig farms.{{Cite web |last1=Bao |first1=Zhiming |last2=Jia |first2=Denise |date=21 September 2019 |title=Chinese Gaming Giant NetEase to Raise More Pigs |url=https://www.caixinglobal.com/2019-09-21/chinese-gaming-giant-netease-to-raise-more-pigs-101464633.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924021641/https://www.caixinglobal.com/2019-09-21/chinese-gaming-giant-netease-to-raise-more-pigs-101464633.html |archive-date=24 September 2019 |access-date=24 September 2019 |website=Caixin |language=en}} NetEase has an on-demand music-streaming service (NetEase Cloud Music). The video games include, Fantasy Westward Journey, Tianxia III, Heroes of Tang Dynasty Zero, and Ghost II.{{cite web|title=NetEase Q2 earnings beat expectations with online game services reversing downtrend - ChinaKnowledge|url=https://m.chinaknowledge.com/News/DetailNews?id=74387|website=chinaknowledge.com|date=9 August 2018|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101220609/https://m.chinaknowledge.com/News/DetailNews?id=74387|url-status=live}} NetEase operated the Chinese version of Blizzard Entertainment games from 2008 to 2023, such as World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, and Overwatch.{{cite news|last1=Minotti|first1=Mike|title=Blizzard and NetEase extend Chinese publishing deal for Hearthstone, Overwatch, and more|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/11/blizzard-and-netease-extend-chinese-publishing-deal-for-hearthstone-overwatch-and-more/|access-date=18 May 2021|work=Venture Beat|date=11 January 2019|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125025804/https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/11/blizzard-and-netease-extend-chinese-publishing-deal-for-hearthstone-overwatch-and-more/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=16 November 2022|title=Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase Suspending Game Services in China|url=https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/blizzard-entertainment-and-netease-suspending-game-services|url-status=live|access-date=24 November 2022|archive-date=24 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124084427/https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/blizzard-entertainment-and-netease-suspending-game-services}}{{Cite web|last=Liao|first=Rita|date=17 November 2022|title=Blizzard ends 14-year licensing deal with NetEase in China|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/16/blizzard-ends-14-year-licensing-deal-with-netease-in-china/|access-date=24 November 2022|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US|archive-date=24 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124084421/https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/16/blizzard-ends-14-year-licensing-deal-with-netease-in-china/|url-status=live}}

NetEase trades on the Chinese and American stock markets. The company trades as 9999 on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and NTES on Nasdaq.

History

Ding Lei founded the company in June 1997. It grew due in part to the investment in search engine technology.{{cite web|url=http://www.httpuseragent.org/list/YoudaoBot+1.0-n742.htm|title=Netease Search Engine - Youdao/yodao spider|publisher=Httpuseragent.org|date=31 December 2008|access-date=17 August 2012|archive-date=9 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709054820/http://www.httpuseragent.org/list/YoudaoBot+1.0-n742.htm|url-status=dead}}

On July 1, 2000, the company was floated on the American stock market with an initial public offering on Nasdaq. 4.5 million shares were issued at $15.5 per share. The IPO was underwritten by Merrill.

In 2012, the official name was changed from NetEase.com, Inc to NetEase, Inc.{{cite web|url=http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2012-03-29/19036890626.shtml|title=NetEase English Name Changes|publisher=Sina.com.cn|date=29 March 2012|access-date=29 March 2012|language=zh|archive-date=1 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401060240/http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2012-03-29/19036890626.shtml|url-status=live}} The company's top executives quit amid possible advertisement revenue misreporting, and buy-out talks with i-Cable Communications and others were reported.{{cite web|last1=Lu Stout|first1=Kristie|title=Key Netease executives call it quits|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/asia/06/12/hk.neteaseexecsquit/|website=CNN|date=12 June 2001|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=16 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116052320/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/asia/06/12/hk.neteaseexecsquit/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Ong|first1=Carolyn|title=Another suitor linked with NetEase buyout|url=https://www.scmp.com/article/349487/another-suitor-linked-netease-buyout|website=South China Morning Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314020548/https://www.scmp.com/article/349487/another-suitor-linked-netease-buyout|archive-date=14 March 2021|url-status=live|language=en|date=9 June 2001}}

In 2008, the 163.com domain attracted at least 1.8 million visitors annually according to the Compete.com survey.{{cite web|url=http://siteanalytics.compete.com/163.com?metric=uv|title=163.com|publisher=Siteanalytics.compete.com|date=26 October 2011|access-date=17 August 2012|archive-date=13 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813045043/http://siteanalytics.compete.com/163.com/?metric=uv|url-status=dead}} In 2010, the site was the 28th most visited site in the world according to Alexa Internet rankings.{{cite web| url=http://www.alexa.com/topsites/global;1| title=Alexa Top 500 Global Sites| access-date=15 April 2010| archive-date=7 December 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207184933/http://www.alexa.com/topsites/global;1| url-status=dead}} NetEase's official website address is 163.com. It was attributed to the past when Chinese internet users had to dial "163" to access the Internet, before the availability of broadband.{{Cite web|last=李|first=志强|date=10 April 2018|title=今日头条、凤凰新闻、网易新闻、天天快报4款APP被下架-新华网|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2018-04/10/c_1122657264.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414085403/http://www.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2018-04/10/c_1122657264.htm|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status=live|access-date=1 October 2021|publisher=Xinhua News Agency}}{{Cite web|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/117608/chinese-number-websites-secret-meaning-urls|title=The Secret Messages Inside Chinese URLs|date=1 May 2014|access-date=1 February 2016|website=newrepublic.com|publisher=The New Republic|last=Beam|first=Christopher|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829011157/https://newrepublic.com/article/117608/chinese-number-websites-secret-meaning-urls|url-status=live}}

Tencent sued NetEase alleging copyright infringement in 2014.{{Cite book |last=Zhang |first=Angela Huyue |title=High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2024 |isbn=9780197682258 |doi=10.1093/oso/9780197682258.001.0001}}{{Rp|page=102}} It used the leverage from the suit to convince the company to sublicense music rights.{{Rp|page=102}} The sub-licensing arrangement that resulted became a model used by other online music platforms in China.{{Rp|page=102}}

NetEase is the largest provider of free e-mail services in China with over 940 million users since 2017. The company also ran 188.com and 126.com.{{Cite web |url=https://wccftech.com/netease-q2-results-revenue-grows-to-2-billion-games-generate-1-4bn/ |title=NetEase Q2 2017: Revenue Grows to $2 Billion, Games Generate $1.4bn |last=Wray |first=Chris |website=Wccftech |date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521104454/https://wccftech.com/netease-q2-results-revenue-grows-to-2-billion-games-generate-1-4bn/ |archive-date=21 May 2018}} The company operates a news website at news.163.com and an associated app.{{Cite web|last=张|first=天磊|date=10 December 2020|title=网易传媒全新知识短视频内容消费品牌网易新闻"知识公路"正式发布|url=https://caijing.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202012/10/WS5fd1b539a3101e7ce973474b.html|access-date=1 October 2021|website=China Daily|language=zh|archive-date=1 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001173645/https://caijing.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202012/10/WS5fd1b539a3101e7ce973474b.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=黎|first=小明|date=9 April 2018|title=七麦数据（原ASO100）-专业移动产品商业分析平台-ASO-ASM优化|url=https://www.qimai.cn/zhuanlan/article/id/422|access-date=1 October 2021|website=Qimai|language=zh|publisher=Qimai Technology Co.|archive-date=1 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001174539/https://www.qimai.cn/zhuanlan/article/id/422|url-status=live}} Riot Games sued NetEase over alleged copyright violation concerning Valorant in 2022.{{cite web|title=Riot Games Has Sued Chinese Game Company Netease for Copyright Infringement – Valorant 'Copy'|url=https://techtyche.com/riot-games-has-sued-chinese-game-company-netease-for-copyright-infringement-valorant-copy/|publisher=Victor Marquez|access-date=9 December 2022|archive-date=21 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221114853/https://techtyche.com/riot-games-has-sued-chinese-game-company-netease-for-copyright-infringement-valorant-copy/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Riot Games sues NetEase for alleged Valorant imitation|date=11 December 2022|url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/riot-games-sues-netease-for-alleged-valorant-imitation/|publisher=Tekato Longkumer|access-date=11 December 2022|archive-date=12 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212210309/https://easternmirrornagaland.com/riot-games-sues-netease-for-alleged-valorant-imitation/|url-status=live}}

=Expansion and acquisitions=

NetEase launched the first headquarters for the United States outside of China in August 2014.{{Cite web|title=NetEase North America|url=http://www.netease-na.com/#!/about|website=www.netease-na.com|access-date=16 October 2015|archive-date=3 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603143444/https://netease-na.com/#!/about|url-status=dead}} It invested US$100 million into Bungie for a minority stake in the company and a seat on the board of directors in June 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-06-01-bungie-gets-more-than-usd100-million-investment-from-netease|title=Bungie gets more than $100 million investment from NetEase|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=1 June 2018|access-date=1 June 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025806/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-06-01-bungie-gets-more-than-usd100-million-investment-from-netease|url-status=live}} NetEase invested Aurora 44 in New Zealand and sold the comic books to Bilibili in December 2018.{{cite web|url=https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/4672299/shareholdings|title=Aurora44 Limited (4672299) Registered|website=New Zealand Companies Office|date=17 December 2018|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028071933/https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/4672299/shareholdings|url-status=live}} In January 2020, NetEase discussed secondary listings with the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-02/hong-kong-bourse-discusses-second-listing-with-trip-com-netease"Hong|title=Kong Bourse Discusses New Listings With Ctrip, Netease|website=Bloomberg News}}

NetEase opened Ouka Studios in June 2020,{{citation|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/chinese-game-company-netease-has-opened-a-new-studio-in-japan|title=Chinese game company NetEase has opened a new studio in Japan|date=5 June 2020|work=Gamasutra|first=Chris|last=Kerr|access-date=6 July 2020|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805205219/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/364286/Chinese_game_company_NetEase_has_opened_a_new_studio_in_Japan.php|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/03/netease-games-sakura-studio-outlines-three-new-titles-in-development-for-console|title=NetEase Games' Sakura Studio outlines three new titles in development for console|first=Sal|last=Romano|website= Gematsu|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=April 2, 2024}} but it was shut down in August 2024 after Square Enix completed the game Visions of Mana.{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Sophie McEvoy Staff |date=2024-08-30 |title=Report: NetEase to shut down Ouka Studios |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/report-netease-to-shut-down-ouka-studios |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}} In August 2020, NetEase announced a capital and business alliance with anime studio Satelight.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-02 |title=About {{!}} SATELIGHT Inc. |url=https://www.satelight.co.jp/en/about/#Sec02 |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=www.satelight.co.jp |language=en}} Casey Hudson established Humanoid Origin in June 2021,{{Cite web|last=Dealessandri|first=Marie|date=2021-06-21|title= Former BioWare GM Casey Hudson forms Humanoid Studios|url= https://www.gamesindustry.biz/former-bioware-gm-casey-hudson-forms-humanoid-studios|access-date=2025-01-08|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en}} but it was shut down in November 2024.{{Cite web|last=Writer|first=Sophie McEvoy Staff|date=2024-11-26|title=Humanoid Origin is closing down|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/humanoid-origin-is-closing-down|access-date=2025-01-07|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en}} NetEase acquired Grasshopper Manufacture from GungHo Online Entertainment in October 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/10/netease-games-acquires-grasshopper-manufacture|title=NetEase Games acquires Grasshopper Manufacture|first= Sal|last=Romano|date=21 October 2021|accessdate=21 October 2021|work=Gematsu|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022013442/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/10/netease-games-acquires-grasshopper-manufacture|url-status=live}}

In May 2022, Jack Emmert founded Jackalope Games.{{Cite web|title=China's gaming giant NetEase opens first US studio in Austin|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/05/05/netease-austin-us-first-studio/|access-date=5 May 2022|website=TechCrunch|date=5 May 2022|language=en-US}} It was changed to Jackalyptic Games on May 18, 2023, and has a partnership with Games Workshop.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/jackalope-games-rebrands-to-jackalyptic-games-in-early-development-on-warhammer-game#google_vignette|title=Jackalope Games rebrands to Jackalyptic Games, in early development on Warhammer game|first=Sal|last=Romano|date=18 May 2023|accessdate=22 October 2024|work=Gematsu}} Toshihiro Nagoshi, Daisuke Sato, and several other former Sega employees established Nagoshi Studio, which is part of their subsidiary.{{cite web|url=https://nagoshistudio.com/|title=Nagoshi Studio|access-date=24 January 2022|archive-date=28 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228082211/https://nagoshistudio.com/|url-status=live}} Former 343 Industries employee Jerry Hook, established Jar Of Sparks on July 18, 2022,{{Cite web|first=Kat|last=Bailey|date=18 July 2022|title=Xbox Pioneer Forms Jar Of Sparks, New Studio Dedicated To AAA Action-Adventure Games|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/jerry-hook-forms-jar-of-sparks|access-date=17 May 2023|website=IGN|language=en|archive-date=17 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517180823/https://www.ign.com/articles/jerry-hook-forms-jar-of-sparks|url-status=live}} but it was shut down in January 2025.{{Cite web |title=Jar of Sparks on LinkedIn: Earlier today, we notified our team that Jar of Sparks will be halting… {{!}} 16 comments |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jar-of-sparks_earlier-today-we-notified-our-team-that-activity-7282184211237613572-Rzqx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}} NetEase received an investment for Polish VR studio Something Random,{{Cite web|date=6 July 2022|title=NetEase Invests in Polish VR Studio Something Random|url=https://80.lv/articles/netease-invests-in-polish-vr-studio-something-random/|access-date=18 May 2023|website=80.lv|language=en|archive-date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518134334/https://80.lv/articles/netease-invests-in-polish-vr-studio-something-random/|url-status=live}} and acquired Quantic Dream in August 2022 after the 2019 minority investment.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/29/18201917/quantic-dream-netease-investment-next-gen-games|title=Quantic Dream receives investment from NetEase to develop next-gen games|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|date=29 January 2019|access-date=29 January 2019|work=Polygon|archive-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190129231106/https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/29/18201917/quantic-dream-netease-investment-next-gen-games|url-status=live}} It became a subsidiary of the parent company and had NetEase to have console game releases.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/08/netease-games-acquires-quantic-dream|title=NetEase Games acquires Quantic Dream|date=31 August 2022|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902024706/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/08/netease-games-acquires-quantic-dream|url-status=live}} Something Wicked Games founder Jeff Gardiner announced that NetEase had invested $13.2 million for the studio.{{Cite news|date=23 August 2022|title=Former Bethesda lead Jeff Gardiner debuts new studio Something Wicked|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/08/23/wyrdsong-something-wicked/|access-date=18 May 2023|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202010805/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/08/23/wyrdsong-something-wicked/|url-status=live}} Former Capcom producer, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, established GPTRACK50 Studio in October 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/10/netease-games-establishes-gptrack50-osaka-based-studio-led-by-former-capcom-producer-hiroyuki-kobayashi|title=NetEase Games establishes GPTRACK50 - Osaka-based studio led by former Capcom producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi|date=31 October 2022|website=Gematsu|access-date=1 November 2022|archive-date=1 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101023405/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/10/netease-games-establishes-gptrack50-osaka-based-studio-led-by-former-capcom-producer-hiroyuki-kobayashi|url-status=live}} In November 2022, NetEase made a strategic investment with Rebel Wolves, founded by former CD Projekt employee Konrad Tomaszkiewicz on February 16, 2022.{{Cite web|date=22 November 2022|title=Rebel Wolves acquires strategic investment from NetEase Games|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/11/rebel-wolves-acquires-strategic-investment-from-netease-games|access-date=18 May 2023|website=Gematsu|language=en-US|archive-date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518134332/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/11/rebel-wolves-acquires-strategic-investment-from-netease-games|url-status=live}} It later acquired the Norwegian fitness startup PlayPulse.{{Cite web|date=23 November 2022|title=PlayPulse receives investment from NetEase Games|url=https://playpulse.com/blogs/news/playpulse-receives-investment-from-netease-games|access-date=18 May 2023|website=Playpulse|archive-date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518134332/https://playpulse.com/blogs/news/playpulse-receives-investment-from-netease-games|url-status=live}} NetEase acquired a minority stake for Liquid Swords.{{Cite web|title=Press Release: Liquid Swords Announces Investment From NetEase Games — Liquid Swords|url=https://www.liquidswords.com/news/liquid-swords-announces-investment-from-netease-games/|access-date=17 May 2023|website=Liquids Words|archive-date=17 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517180824/https://www.liquidswords.com/news/liquid-swords-announces-investment-from-netease-games/|url-status=live}}

NetEase acquired the studio SkyBox Labs in January 2023.{{Cite news|date=7 January 2023|title=NetEase has acquired Skybox Labs|language=en-gb|work=Eurogamer|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/netease-has-acquired-skybox-labs|access-date=7 January 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107165342/https://www.eurogamer.net/netease-has-acquired-skybox-labs|url-status=live}} In February 2023, NetEase opened the studio Spliced.{{Cite web|url=https://www.neteasegames.com/news/Corporate/20230202/37075_1071383.html|title=NetEase Games introduces Spliced, a new game studio|first=|last=|date=2 February 2023|website=NetEase|access-date=30 August 2024}} Former Marvelous vice president Toshinori Aoki and BlazBlue game creator Toshimichi Mori, opened Studio Flare on September 6, 2022. It was later acquired by NetEase.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/02/tokyo-based-studio-flare-established-based-with-blazblue-series-toshimichi-mori-as-development-producer|title=Tokyo-based Studio Flare established with BlazBlue series' Toshimichi Mori as development producer|first=Sal|last=Romano|date=27 February 2023|website=Gematsu|access-date=28 February 2023|archive-date=28 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228161320/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/02/tokyo-based-studio-flare-established-based-with-blazblue-series-toshimichi-mori-as-development-producer|url-status=live}} In March 2023, NetEase launched the Anici anime brand, making a variety of animation for various partners.{{cite news|last1=Mateo|first1=Alex|title=NetEase Games Launches Anici Anime Brand|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-03-27/netease-games-launches-anici-anime-brand/.196502|access-date=28 March 2023|agency=Anime News Network|date=27 March 2023|archive-date=28 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328010729/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-03-27/netease-games-launches-anici-anime-brand/.196502|url-status=live}} NetEase opened Anchor Point Studios in April 2023.{{Cite web|date=26 April 2023|title=NetEase opens Anchor Point Games in Barcelona and Seattle|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/netease-opens-anchor-point-games-in-barcelona-and-seattle/|access-date=18 May 2023|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|archive-date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518134326/https://venturebeat.com/games/netease-opens-anchor-point-games-in-barcelona-and-seattle/|url-status=live}} Former Ubisoft employee Sean Crooks opened Bad Brain Game Studios,{{Cite web|date=23 May 2023|title=NetEase Games establishes Canada-based Bad Brain Game Studios|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/netease-games-establishes-canada-based-bad-brain-game-studios|access-date=23 May 2023|website=Gematsu|language=en-US|archive-date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523123056/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/netease-games-establishes-canada-based-bad-brain-game-studios|url-status=live}} and Dragon Quest producer Ryutaro Ichimura established PinCool in May 2023.{{Cite web|date=29 May 2023|title=NetEase Games establishes Tokyo-based game studio PinCool led by Ryutaro Ichimura|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/netease-games-establishes-tokyo-based-game-studio-pincool-led-by-ryutaro-ichimura|access-date=30 May 2023|website=Gematsu|language=en-US|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530053524/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/netease-games-establishes-tokyo-based-game-studio-pincool-led-by-ryutaro-ichimura|url-status=live}} Jeff Dobson, Scott Malone, Mark Tucker, and Rich Vogel, opened T-Minus Zero Entertainment,{{Cite web|date=17 August 2023|title=NetEase Games establishes Austin-based T-Minus Zero Entertainment to develop online multiplayer-focus sci-fi action game|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/08/netease-games-establishes-austin-based-t-minus-zero-entertainment-to-develop-online-multiplayer-focus-sci-fi-action-game|access-date=17 November 2023|website=Gematsu|language=en-US}} and NetEase launched an American studio led by Bethesda and BioWare veterans in August 2023.{{Cite web|last=Dealessandri|first=Marie|date=2023-08-17|title=NetEase launches new US studio led by Bethesda and BioWare veterans|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/netease-launches-new-us-studio-led-by-bethesda-and-bioware-veterans|access-date=2024-01-19|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en}} Former Blizzard employee Greg Street established Fantastic Pixel Castle in November 2023.{{Cite web|date=2 November 2023|title=NetEase Games establishes new studio Fantastic Pixel Castle to develop AAA MMO|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/11/netease-games-establishes-new-studio-fantastic-pixel-castle-to-develop-aaa-mmo|access-date=17 November 2023|website=Gematsu|language=en-US}} Mac Walters' company, Worlds Untold,{{Cite web|date=16 November 2023|title=NetEase Games establishes new studio Worlds Untold led by Mass Effect series writer Mac Walters|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/11/netease-games-establishes-new-studio-worlds-untold-led-by-mass-effect-series-writer-mac-walters|access-date=17 November 2023|website=Gematsu|language=en-US}} had a "paused" operation in November 2024.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Mass Effect veteran will "pause operations" at fresh AAA game studio while seeking new partner |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/mass-effect-veteran-will-pause-operations-at-fresh-aaa-game-studio-while-seeking-new-partner |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=27 November 2024 |date=27 November 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Blake|first=Vikki|date=2024-11-27|title=Mac Walters' Worlds Untold studio on "pause" as it seeks new funding partner|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/mac-walters-worlds-untold-studio-on-pause-as-it-seeks-new-funding-partner#:~:text=Mac%20Walters'%20Worlds%20Untold%20-%20which,had%20together%22%20at%20the%20studio.|access-date=2025-01-07|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en}} David Vonderhaar opened BulletFarm in February 2024.{{Cite web|last=Batchelor|first=James|date=2024-02-28|title=NetEase opens new AAA studio BulletFarm led by Treyarch vet David Vonderhaar|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/netease-opens-new-aaa-studio-bulletfarm-led-by-treyarch-vet-david-vonderhaar|access-date=2024-03-07|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en}}

In February 2025, it was reported that NetEase has been shopping around other studios, looking to divest the foreign investments due to changes in the video game industry. Over a dozen studios would have to receive new fundings and avoid potential closure. Many studios had been acquired only five years prior.{{cite web |title=In an industry earthquake, NetEase plans to cut more all-star game studios |url=https://www.gamefile.news/p/netease-studio-cuts |website=Game File |access-date=13 March 2025}}

=Partnerships=

The company has a history of partnerships with other ones. Blizzard Entertainment partnered with NetEase to bring some games for the Chinese market in 2008.{{cite web|last1=Futter|first1=Mike|title=Blizzard and NetEase extend Chinese publishing partnership for World of Warcraft, Diablo, more|url=https://gamedaily.biz/article/505/blizzard-and-netease-extend-chinese-publishing-partnership-for-world-of-warcraft-diablo-more|website=GameDaily|language=en|date=11 January 2019|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418053616/https://gamedaily.biz/article/505/blizzard-and-netease-extend-chinese-publishing-partnership-for-world-of-warcraft-diablo-more|url-status=live}} They announced the suspension of most game services in China, after the licensing agreement expired on 23 January 2023. According to the statement, Overwatch 2, Diablo III, World of Warcraft, StarCraft, Hearthstone, and Heroes of the Storm, no longer received service on 17 November 2022.

In April 2012, NetEase began testing a restaurant recommendation mobile app called "Fan Fan".{{cite press release|url=http://www.brightwire.com/company/9348-netease-com-inc|title=Follow news on Netease.com, Inc.|publisher=BrightWire|access-date=17 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119012035/http://www.brightwire.com/company/9348-netease-com-inc|archive-date=19 January 2013}}{{cite web|title=Netease Begins Testing for Mobile App "Fan Fan" on Thursday.|url=http://www.brightwire.com/news/199632-netease-begins-testing-for-mobile-app-fan-fan-on-thursday|publisher=BrightWire|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727015120/http://www.brightwire.com/news/199632-netease-begins-testing-for-mobile-app-fan-fan-on-thursday|archive-date=27 July 2012}} NetEase and Marvel Comics began making a comic book about a Chinese superhero in 2017. The comic books would be released online, such as The Amazing Spider-Man, Captain America, and Guardians of the Galaxy.{{cite web|author1=Zen Soo|author2=Zheping Huang|title=Chinese gaming giant NetEase sells comics business to rival Bilibili, retains rights to Marvel series|url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/2177815/chinese-gaming-giant-netease-sells-comics-business-rival-bilibili|publisher=South China Morning Post|access-date=20 May 2019|date=13 December 2018|archive-date=19 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519234555/https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/2177815/chinese-gaming-giant-netease-sells-comics-business-rival-bilibili|url-status=live}}

The company collaborated with Coursera to provide Massive Open Online Course.{{cite web|title=Coursera partners with NetEase to deliver free online learning in China|url=http://asiancorrespondent.com/114752/coursera-partners-with-netease-to-deliver-free-online-learning-in-china/|access-date=22 October 2013|archive-date=23 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023063155/http://asiancorrespondent.com/114752/coursera-partners-with-netease-to-deliver-free-online-learning-in-china/|url-status=dead}} NetEase launched an online course platform with educational content in 2014.{{cite web|last1=Xiang|first1=Tracey|title=NetEase Adds an Online Course Platform to Its Education Offerings|url=https://technode.com/2014/04/24/netease-adds-online-course-platform-education-offerings/|website=TechNode|date=24 April 2014|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301050942/https://technode.com/2014/04/24/netease-adds-online-course-platform-education-offerings/|url-status=live}}

NetEase, The Pokémon Company, and Game Freak, made an expanded version of Pokémon Quest called Pokémon Adventure, released in China on 13 May 2021. It contains regular updates and events unlike other versions.{{Cite web|date=May 20, 2019|title=China's NetEase to launch first official Pokemon game in China|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-netease-pokemon/chinas-netease-to-launch-first-official-pokemon-game-in-china-idUSKCN1SQ0IM/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107233502/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-netease-pokemon/chinas-netease-to-launch-first-official-pokemon-game-in-china-idUSKCN1SQ0IM|archive-date=November 7, 2023|access-date=August 22, 2024|website=Reuters}}{{Cite web|last=Grogan|first=Bryan|date=May 14, 2021|title=Huge Light Show Accompanies the Launch of Pokemon's Newest Game in China|url=https://radii.co/article/pokemon-quest|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205092048/https://radii.co/article/pokemon-quest|archive-date=December 5, 2023|access-date=August 22, 2024|website=RADII}}

=Chinese government regulation=

In October 2020, the Cyberspace Administration of China ordered NetEase to undergo rectification and temporarily suspend certain comment functions, after censors found inappropriate comments on the news app.{{Cite web|date=16 October 2020|title=China's internet censorship goes far beyond the Great Firewall|url=https://www.scmp.com/abacus/tech/article/3105522/beyond-great-firewall-chinas-vast-censorship-apparatus-ropes-companies|access-date=11 November 2020|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108235951/https://www.scmp.com/abacus/tech/article/3105522/beyond-great-firewall-chinas-vast-censorship-apparatus-ropes-companies|url-status=live}}

File:PAX SPEEDY NINJA.png

Games

class="wikitable"

! scope="col" | Year

! scope="col" | Title

! scope="col" | Developer(s)

! scope="col" | Publisher(s)

! scope="col" | Notes

2001

|Fantasy Westward Journey

|rowspan="13" |NetEase Games

|rowspan="9" |NetEase Games

2002

|Westward Journey Online II

2015

|Revelation Online

2017

|Rules of Survival

|rowspan="2"| Discontinued on 27 June 2022

rowspan="4"| 2018

|Creative Destruction

Galactic Frontline

|Online title, Closed in 2020{{Cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netease.faro.netease_global&hl=en_US |title=Galactic Frontline's Android store page |date=May 31, 2019 |website=Google Play |access-date=June 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930114415/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netease.faro.netease_global&hl=en_US |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |url-status=dead }}

Identity V

LifeAfter

rowspan="4"| 2019

|Cyber Hunter

Sky: Children of the Light

|Thatgamecompany

|Published in China only

Marvel Super War

|rowspan="7"| NetEase Games

Super Mecha Champions

|Discontinued on 20 January 2025

rowspan="2"| 2020

|Marvel Duel

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

|ArtPlay

|Android and iOS ports

rowspan="4"| 2021

|Ace Racer

|NetEase Games

Naraka: Bladepoint

|24 Entertainment

Astracraft

|rowspan="2"| NetEase Games

|Discontinued on 21 December 2022

The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War

|Warner Bros. Games

rowspan="5"| 2022

|Diablo Immortal

|NetEase Games, Blizzard Entertainment

|Blizzard Entertainment

Eggy Party

|rowspan="2"| NetEase Games

|rowspan="4"| NetEase Games

Mission Zero

Hyper Front

|NetEase Games, BattleFun Games

Lost Light

|NetEase Games

2023

|Dead by Daylight Mobile

|Behaviour Interactive, NetEase Games

|Behaviour Interactive, NetEase

|Published in China only

rowspan="3"| 2024

|Bloodstrike

|NetEase Games

|Available on iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Windows

Once Human

|NetEase, Starry Studio

|NetEase Games, Starry Studio

|Available on Android, iOS, and Windows

Marvel Rivals

|NetEase Games

|rowspan="4"| NetEase Games

rowspan="2"| 2025

|Rusty Rabbit

|Nitroplus

FragPunk

|Bad Guitar Studio

rowspan="8"| TBA

|Racing Master

|Dahua Studios, Codemasters

Tom and Jerry: Chase

|NetEase Games

|Warner Bros. Games

Harry Potter: Magic Awakened

|NetEase, Envoy Games

|NetEase Games, Portkey Games, Envoy Games

Where Winds Meet

|Everstone Studio

|rowspan="5"| NetEase Games

Project: BloodStrike

|rowspan="3"| NetEase Games

Project: E.O.E

Project: EXTREME

Ananta

|NetEase Games, Naked Rain

=Licensed online games=

Three-year agreement to license Overwatch in PRC{{Cite web|title=NetEase - Fact Sheet|url=http://ir.netease.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=122303&p=irol-factsheet|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322141120/http://ir.netease.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=122303&p=irol-factsheet|archive-date=22 March 2019|access-date=16 October 2015|website=ir.netease.com}}
Agreement to license Minecraft and the pocket edition in China{{cite web|url=http://www.mojang.com/2016/05/minecraft-is-coming-to-china/|title=Minecraft is coming to China|website=mojang.com|date=10 November 2021|access-date=2 May 2020|archive-date=10 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710022157/https://www.mojang.com/2016/05/minecraft-is-coming-to-china/|url-status=live}}
Operated the Chinese third-party Minecraft Hypixel server, which was shut down on 30 June 2020{{Cite web|url=https://hypixel.net/threads/hypixel-is-coming-to-china.1131484/|title=Hypixel is coming to China|website=Hypixel - Minecraft Server and Maps|date=21 May 2017 |access-date=15 July 2017|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417204449/https://hypixel.net/threads/hypixel-is-coming-to-china.1131484/|url-status=live}}
Assumed the publishing of Eve Online in the Chinese market in October 2018{{Cite web|url=https://www.eveonline.com/article/pcrt4h/the-next-step-for-eve-china-and-serenity-announcing-partnership-with|title=The Next Step For EVE China & Serenity – Announcing Partnership With NetEase!|website=EVE Online|language=en|access-date=1 August 2018|archive-date=1 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801155130/https://www.eveonline.com/article/pcrt4h/the-next-step-for-eve-china-and-serenity-announcing-partnership-with|url-status=live}}

=Game Technology=

NetEase develops two in-house game engines for some video games: Messiah Engine and NeoX.{{cite web |author1=钟经文 |title=网易游戏：深耕156年研发引擎自主打造国产技术“底座” |url=https://tech.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202211/01/WS6360d847a310817f312f3fa6.html |website=tech.chinadaily.com.cn |publisher=国际在线 |date=2022-11-01}}