{{Short description|Chinese Internet technology company}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} {{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}}<br>{{SEHK|9999}} | industry = Internet | founder = Ding Lei | founded = {{Start date and age|1997|6}} | location = Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China<ref name="Contacts NetEase, Inc.">{{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}}</ref> | key_people = Ding Lei (CEO) | products = Online services<br />Video games | revenue = {{increase}} {{CN¥|112.6 billion|link=yes}}<ref name="FY2025">{{cite web |url=https://ir.netease.com/news-releases/news-release-details/netease-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2025-unaudited |title=FY2025}}</ref> (2025) | operating_income = {{increase}} {{CN¥|35.83 billion}}<ref name="FY2025"/> | net_income = {{increase}} {{CN¥|33.75 billion}}<ref name="FY2025"/> | assets = {{increase}} {{CN¥|180.6 billion}}<ref name="FY2025"/> | divisions = NetEase YanXuan<br />NetEase Cloud Music<br />NetEase Games (Thunder Fire)<br />NetEase Games (Interactive Entertainment)<br />NetEase D&R Center Lab<br />NetEase Wisdom Enterprise<br />Youdao<br />NetEase News | num_employees = 29,128 (December 2023)<ref>{{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}}</ref> | subsidiaries = See {{section link||Game_development_studios_under_NetEase_Games}} | website = {{URL|www.163.com/|163.com}} }}
'''NetEase, Inc.''' ({{lang-zh|s=网易}}) is a Chinese Internet technology company. Its businesses include video games, news aggregation, music streaming, advertising, email, and e-commerce. It was founded by Ding Lei in June 1997.<ref>{{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=dead}}</ref>
The company provides online services with content, community, communications, and commerce. It operates a news aggregator website at news.163.com and an associated app.<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001173645/https://caijing.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202012/10/WS5fd1b539a3101e7ce973474b.html |archive-date=1 October 2021 |access-date=1 October 2021 |website=China Daily |language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001174539/https://www.qimai.cn/zhuanlan/article/id/422 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |access-date=1 October 2021 |website=Qimai |publisher=Qimai Technology Co. |language=zh}}</ref> NetEase has an on-demand music-streaming service (NetEase Cloud Music). Video games the company has developed include, ''Fantasy Westward Journey'', ''Tianxia III'', ''Heroes of Tang Dynasty Zero'', ''Ghost II, Marvel Rivals'', and ''Destiny: Rising''. NetEase operates the Chinese version of Blizzard Entertainment games, such as ''World of Warcraft'', ''StarCraft II'', and ''Overwatch''. It also created an Android emulator for PC, called MuMu Player.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2022 |title=NetEase Games Releases First Android 11-Based Emulator, MuMu Player 11 (Beta) |url=https://www.gamespress.com/NetEase-Games-Releases-First-Android-11-Based-Emulator-MuMu-Player-11- |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=www.gamespress.com}}</ref> The company also owns multiple pig farms.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2023, the company revenue was US$14.6 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McEvoy |first=Sophie |date=2024-03-05 |title=NetEase revenue rises 7.2% to $14.6bn in 2023 |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/netease-revenue-rises-72-to-146bn-in-2023 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref>
==History== Ding Lei founded the company in China in June 1997 with just three employees. It sold e-mail servers to internet access providers before developing its own websites that focused on bilingual e-mail and chat rooms, such as the popular 163 email domain.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Ho |first=David |date=2019-09-24 |title=How Ding Lei became China's first internet billionaire |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3030092/how-internet-billionaire-ding-lei-brought-marvel-comics |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> It introduced China's first free e-mail service, first online community, and first personalized information service.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=August 8, 2003 |title=Ding Lei: Founder, CTO of Netease.com Inc. |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/71896.htm |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=www.china.org.cn}}</ref> After two funding rounds, the company raised nearly $20 million by the end of 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=December 23, 1999 |title=An Internet Vision of Chinese Surfers in the Millions |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/12/biztech/articles/23online.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
In 1999, NetEase hosted an online literature contest refereed by Wang Meng, Liu Xinwu, and Mo Yan, which contributed to the early growth of internet literature in China.<ref name=":022">{{Cite book |last=Han|first=Rongbin|title=Make China Great Again: Online Alt-History Fiction and Popular Authoritarianism|date=2026|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-22054-5|location=New York}}</ref>{{Reference page|page=23}}
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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2000 |title=China-based Netease.com Issues IPO at Nasdaq |url=https://en.people.cn/english/200007/01/eng20000701_44427.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=People's Daily}}</ref> During this time, China had made it difficult for Chinese internet companies to reach the Western market. Western investors also remained hesitant to invest in Chinese tech companies. This caused the IPO to be delayed several months and the stock initially underperformed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-06-21 |title=Netease eyes Nasdaq |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/319481/netease-eyes-nasdaq |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Craig S. |date=2000-07-03 |title=Nasdaq Debut of Chinese Stock Dampens Internet Fever |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/03/business/nasdaq-debut-of-chinese-stock-dampens-internet-fever.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |work=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=2000-06-23 |title=INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS; China Unicom Shares Jump Nearly 9% |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/23/business/international-business-china-unicom-shares-jump-nearly-9.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |work=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref>
Several top executives left the company in June 2001 when it was discovered its sales data may have been misreported. This took place while NetEase was in the midst of buy-out talks with i-Cable Communications.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shannon |first=Victoria |date=2001-06-13 |title=Tech Brief:TROUBLE AT CHINA SITE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/13/business/worldbusiness/IHT-tech-brieftrouble-at-china-site.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |work=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref> Takeover talks ended soon after.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shannon |first=Victoria |date=2001-06-19 |title=Tech Brief:NO SALE FOR NETEASE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/19/business/worldbusiness/IHT-tech-briefno-sale-for-netease.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |work=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref> By {{Infobox Chinese | c = | p = wǎng yì | t = 網易 | s = 网易 | j = mong5 ji6 | bpmf = ㄨㄤˇ ㄧˋ | w = Wang³-i⁴ | tp = Wǎngyì | poj = bāng-ia̍h }}
2003, Netease had received investments from Softbank, ING Baring, Goldman Sachs, Techpacific.com, and News Corporation. It had 1.7 million registered users on its email service and generated over four million page views each day. It hired 200 people in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai.<ref name=":9" />
In August 2005, NetEase announced it would shut down its MP3 service due to the proliferation of pirating.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Don |date=2005-08-23 |title=Baidu.com Went From Unknown to No. 1 Search Engine in China |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-aug-23-fi-baidu23-story.html |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Its blog service was launched in September 2006.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Lingqing |first=Zhu |date=August 21, 2018 |title=NetEase to shut down its blog service |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201808/21/WS5b7b756ca310add14f386df0.html |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref> In December 2007, the company officially launched its own search engine, Youdao, to replace its partnership with Google since 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2007 |title=Netease to launch own search engine |url=https://www.campaignasia.com/article/netease-to-launch-own-search-engine/202953 |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=Campaign Asia}}</ref> It went on to develop a series of applications under the brand, including a shopping assistant, Youdao dictionary, and more.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2011 |title=NetEase Has No Plan to Sell Youdao Search Engine |url=http://www.researchinchina.com/news/NewsInfo.aspx?Id=22204 |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=www.researchinchina.com}}</ref> NetEase was China's second most popular Google search term that year, behind rival Sina.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google unveils China's 2008 most popular search terms - NYTimes.com |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/external/idg/2008/12/09/09idg-Google-unveils.html |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=archive.nytimes.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Handrahan |first=Matthew |date=2018-01-30 |title=NetEase and Mattel launch new game studio |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/netease-and-mattel-launch-new-game-studio |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref>
In January 2011, the company announced the launch of a new online luxury goods shopping platform, L.163.com. Said platform was later shut down in December of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2012 |title=NetEase.com Closes Luxury Internet Shopping Website In China |url=http://www.researchinchina.com/news/NewsInfo.aspx?Id=28784 |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=www.researchinchina.com}}</ref> NetEase launched Lofter, an online forum for various internet subcultures, in August 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Jason |date=2011-08-09 |title=NetEase is Working on a DianDian Lightblog Competitor – Lofter.com |url=https://technode.com/2011/08/09/netease-is-working-on-a-diandian-lightblog-competitor-lofter-com/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=TechNode |language=en-US}}</ref> It has gone on to be one of the most popular platforms for fan fiction in China.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Song |first=Chenyang |title=Nationalist and Popular Culture Practices on Social Media: A Digital Ethnography of Chinese Online Fandom Nationalists |date=2025 |publisher=Transcript |isbn=978-3-8376-7926-7 |edition= |location=Bielefeld}}</ref>{{Reference page|page=14}} In 2018, NetEase Blog was shut down, with users instructed to transfer their content to Lofter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zhao |first=Runhua |date=2018-08-21 |title=NetEase to shut down blog site and services |url=https://technode.com/2018/08/21/netease-shut-down-blog/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=TechNode |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6" /> In March 2012, the official name of the company was changed from NetEase.com, Inc to NetEase, Inc.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 March 2012 |title=NetEase English Name Changes |url=http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2012-03-29/19036890626.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401060240/http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2012-03-29/19036890626.shtml |archive-date=1 April 2012 |access-date=29 March 2012 |publisher=Sina.com.cn |language=zh}}</ref> In April, the company began testing a restaurant recommendation mobile app called "Fan Fan".<ref>{{cite press release |title=Follow news on Netease.com, Inc. |publisher=BrightWire |url=http://www.brightwire.com/company/9348-netease-com-inc |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}}</ref><ref>{{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 |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 |publisher=BrightWire}}</ref> In October 2013, Coursera announced a partnership with NetEase to launch Coursera Zone, a Chinese-language web portal.<ref>{{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/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023063155/http://asiancorrespondent.com/114752/coursera-partners-with-netease-to-deliver-free-online-learning-in-china/ |archive-date=23 October 2013 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> NetEase launched an online course platform with educational content in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Xiang |first1=Tracey |date=24 April 2014 |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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301050942/https://technode.com/2014/04/24/netease-adds-online-course-platform-education-offerings/ |archive-date=1 March 2021 |access-date=14 March 2021 |website=TechNode}}</ref>
Tencent sued NetEase alleging copyright infringement in 2014.<ref name=":Zhang">{{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}}</ref>{{Rp|page=102}} It used the leverage from the suit to convince the company to sublicense music rights.<ref name=":Zhang" />{{Rp|page=102}} The resulting sublicensing arrangement became a model used by other online music platforms in China.<ref name=":Zhang" />{{Rp|page=102}} In 2015, the company launched Yanxuan, an e-commerce platform.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Liao |first=Rita |date=2017-10-28 |title=Chinese tech conglomerate NetEase has been quietly raising pigs for eight years |url=https://technode.com/2017/10/28/netease-black-pig-farm/ |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=TechNode |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2015, NetEase announced the launch of Kaola.com, a cross-border e-commerce platform that focused on selling goods from overseas merchants, to compete directly with Alibaba and JD.com. By 2016, its shares had increased by 200% over the previous three years.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Deagon |first=Brian |date=July 18, 2016 |title=With 688 Million Mobile Users In China, No Wonder Gaming Stock NetEase Keeps Climbing |url=https://www.investors.com/research/the-new-america/chinas-netease-gets-its-game-on-with-aggressive-push-in-mobile/ |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=Investor's Business Daily}}</ref> By 2017, NetEase was 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wray |first=Chris |date=10 August 2017 |title=NetEase Q2 2017: Revenue Grows to $2 Billion, Games Generate $1.4bn |url=https://wccftech.com/netease-q2-results-revenue-grows-to-2-billion-games-generate-1-4bn/ |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 |website=Wccftech}}</ref> In 2019, the company sold off Kaola.com to Alibaba for $2 billion.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=September 5, 2019 |title=NetEase sells Kaola unit to Alibaba for $2 billion |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/kaola-ma-alibaba/netease-sells-kaola-unit-to-alibaba-for-2-billion-idUSL3N25X02T |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009085419/https://www.reuters.com/article/kaola-ma-alibaba/netease-sells-kaola-unit-to-alibaba-for-2-billion-idUSL3N25X02T |archive-date=2021-10-09 |access-date=2025-11-13 |work=U.S. |language=en-US}}</ref>
NetEase carried out a secondary listings on the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing in June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Lulu Yilun |date=January 2, 2020 |title=Kong Bourse Discusses New Listings With Ctrip, Netease |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-02/hong-kong-bourse-discusses-second-listing-with-trip-com-netease"Hong |website=Bloomberg News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kharpal |first=Arjun |date=2020-06-11 |title=NetEase shares close over 5% higher on the first day of trading in Hong Kong |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/11/netease-hong-kong-listing-shares-rise-at-open-on-first-day-of-trading.html |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> In August 2020, NetEase announced a capital and business alliance with anime studio Satelight.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In November 2022, the company announced it had invested in Norwegian fitness startup PlayPulse.<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518134332/https://playpulse.com/blogs/news/playpulse-receives-investment-from-netease-games |archive-date=18 May 2023 |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Playpulse}}</ref> In March 2023, NetEase launched the Anici anime brand, making a variety of animation for various partners.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mateo |first1=Alex |date=27 March 2023 |title=NetEase Games Launches Anici Anime Brand |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-03-27/netease-games-launches-anici-anime-brand/.196502 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328010729/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-03-27/netease-games-launches-anici-anime-brand/.196502 |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=28 March 2023 |agency=Anime News Network}}</ref>
===NetEase Games === In 2001, the company formed NetEase Games to focus on gaming.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=February 26, 2016 |title=NetEase Games Excels in 2015 with Highly Anticipated Future Ahead |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netease-games-excels-in-2015-with-highly-anticipated-future-ahead-300226304.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> In December, the company launched its proprietary MMORPG ''Westward Journey Online''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2001 |title=NetEase.com Launches Proprietary Online Game |url=https://ir.netease.com/news-releases/news-release-details/neteasecom-launches-proprietary-online-game |access-date=November 9, 2025 |website=NetEase}}</ref> It reached 22 million users, with an average of over 400,000 concurrent players, by 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 7, 2006 |title=controversy in a MMORPG |url=http://www.futureofthebook.org/blog/archives/2006/08/controversy_in_a_mmorpg.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927070806/http://www.futureofthebook.org/blog/archives/2006/08/controversy_in_a_mmorpg.html |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=November 9, 2025 |website=futureofthebook.org}}</ref> In 2008, it started a partnership with Blizzard Entertainment to publish the studio's games in China.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Minotti |first=Mike |date=2019-01-11 |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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706194404/https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/11/blizzard-and-netease-extend-chinese-publishing-deal-for-hearthstone-overwatch-and-more/ |archive-date=2022-07-06 |access-date=2025-11-10 |work=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2013, the company licensed ''Hearthstone'', Blizzard's free-to-play online strategy card game.<ref name=":43">{{Cite web |last= |date=April 21, 2015 |title=Success of Fantasy Westward Journey Reinforces NetEase's Position as China's Leading Game Company |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/success-of-fantasy-westward-journey-reinforces-neteases-position-as-chinas-leading-game-company-300069178.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> In an effort to bring its games to English speaking audiences, NetEase opened its first U.S. office, in the San Francisco Bay Area, in February 2015. In March, a mobile version of ''Fantasy Westward Journey'' was released. Within two hours, it reached the number one spot on the top free games chart.<ref name=":43"/> The game hit 60 million registered users, with a concurrent user peak of over two million in the first year. It also licensed ''Cookie Jam'' and ''F1 Race Stars''.<ref name=":32" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dave |first=Paresh |date=2014-12-16 |title=Mobile game 'Cookie Jam' latest hit being exported to China |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-cookie-jam-netease-20141216-story.html |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In May, NetEase announced an investment in Helsinki-based developer Reforged Studios.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cowley |first=Ric |date=2015-10-27 |title=NetEase continues aggressive western expansion, investing $2.5 million in core start-up Reforged Studios |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/netease-invests-usd-2500000-in-reforged-studios/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=www.pocketgamer.biz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weber |first=Rachel |date=2015-10-27 |title=Reforged Studios scores $2.5m from NetEase |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/reforged-studios-scores-usd2-5m-from-netease |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> In June, the company also announced a licensing agreement with Blizzard to publish the video game ''Overwatch''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2015 |title=China Joins the Fight for the Future in Overwatch |url=https://ir.netease.com/news-releases/news-release-details/china-joins-fight-future-overwatch-tm |access-date=November 10, 2025 |website=NetEase}}</ref> thumb|Gamers trying the new release of Speedy Ninja at PAX 2015 By 2016, the company had a portfolio of more than 90 mobile games, with 41 more in development.<ref name=":10" /> In May 2016, NetEase announced a new partnership with Microsoft and Mojang Studios to bring ''Minecraft'' to Asia.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kamen |first=Matt |date=May 20, 2016 |title=Minecraft is finally (officially) launching in China |url=https://www.wired.com/story/minecraft-launching-in-china/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> Free to play versions for PC, iOS, and Android launched in August, September, and October of the following year. In October 2017, the game had nearly 30 million players.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cowley |first=Ric |date=2017-11-16 |title=NetEase's launch of Minecraft in China draws in 30 million new users |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/netease-financials-q3-fy17/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=www.pocketgamer.biz |language=en}}</ref> By May 2018, NetEase had over 100 million users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Iain |date=2018-05-23 |title=Minecraft builds up 100 million players in China since launching last year |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/minecraft-builds-up-100-million-players-in-china-since-launching-last-year/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=www.pocketgamer.biz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Orry |first=Tom |date=2018-05-23 |title=China's F2P Minecraft Reaches an Incredible 100 Million Users |url=https://www.vg247.com/chinas-f2p-minecraft-reaches-an-incredible-100-million-users |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref>
The company partnered with Mattel in January 2018 to launch a new game developer named Mattel163.<ref name=":5" /> It invested US$100 million in Bungie for a minority stake in the company and a seat on the board of directors in June 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=1 June 2018 |title=Bungie gets more than $100 million investment from NetEase |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-06-01-bungie-gets-more-than-usd100-million-investment-from-netease |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=1 June 2018 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref> NetEase took over publishing duties of EVE Online in China, starting in August.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=2018-08-01 |title=Eve Online's Chinese version will soon be published by NetEase |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/1/17639050/eve-online-chinese-netease/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref> In November, Blizzard announced Diablo Immortal, a mobile RPG that would be co-developed by NetEase.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=2018-11-02 |title=Diablo is getting a 'full-fledged' mobile RPG |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/2/18056370/diablo-immortal-mobile-blizzard-blizzcon-2018 |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> the game was later also confirmed for PC<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holt |first=Kris |date=2022-04-25 |title='Diablo: Immortal' is coming to mobile and (surprise!) PC on June 2nd |url=https://www.engadget.com/diablo-immortal-pc-mobile-release-date-143501116.html |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref> and released in June 2022. It did not release in China until the following month.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cao |first1=Ann |last2=Jiang |first2=Yaling |date=2022-07-25 |title=Diablo Immortal finally launches in China, but some players are upset |url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3186537/netease-quietly-launches-diablo-immortal-china-after-month-long-delay |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>
Former Capcom employee Ryosuke Yoshida opened Ouka Studios in June 2020.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In August, NetEase teamed with CCP Games to release EVE Echoes, a mobile version of EVE Online.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2020 |title=EVE Echoes Launches on iOS and Android Today |url=https://www.neteasegames.com/m/index.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=www.neteasegames.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> It invested in Japanese developer Grounding Inc. in September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2021-09-21 |title=Grounding issues new shares to NetEase Games through third-party allotment |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/09/grounding-issues-new-shares-to-netease-games-through-third-party-allotment |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Dooley |first1=Ben |last2=Mozur |first2=Paul |date=2022-03-16 |title=Beating Japan at Its Own (Video) Game: A Smash Hit From China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/business/genshin-impact-china-japan.html |access-date=2025-11-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref> NetEase acquired Grasshopper Manufacture from GungHo Online Entertainment in October 2021.<ref>{{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|access-date=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}}</ref> When indie publisher Devolver Digital went public on the London Stock Exchange in November 2021, NetEase purchased an 8% stake in the company.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Mollie |date=2021-11-04 |title=Devolver Digital has gone public with Sony acquiring a minority stake |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/devolver-digital-has-gone-public-with-sony-acquiring-a-minority-stake/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> Toshihiro Nagoshi, Daisuke Sato, and several former Sega employees established Nagoshi Studio in January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2022 |title=NetEase Games |url=https://www.neteasegames.com/m/index.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=www.neteasegames.com}}</ref>
After a 14-year partnership, Blizzard Activision ended its licensing agreement with NetEase in November 2022. As a result, ''World of Warcraft'', ''Hearthstone'', ''Warcraft III: Reforged'', ''Overwatch'', ''StarCraft'', ''Diablo III'', and ''Heroes of the Storm'' were shut down in China on January 23, 2023.<ref name=":1">{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124084421/https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/16/blizzard-ends-14-year-licensing-deal-with-netease-in-china/ |archive-date=24 November 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>''<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Browning |first1=Kellen |last2=Che |first2=Chang |date=2023-03-29 |title=Rift Between Gaming Giants Shows Toll of China's Economic Crackdown |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/29/technology/activision-netease-china-breakup.html |access-date=2025-11-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124084427/https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/blizzard-entertainment-and-netease-suspending-game-services |archive-date=24 November 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |website=Activision}}</ref>'' It took a year and a half before a new agreement could be reached in April 2024. The two companies also agreed to distribute NetEase titles on Xbox platforms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2024-04-09 |title=A year and a half after its bitter breakup with NetEase, Blizzard has made a new deal to bring its games back to China—with NetEase |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/a-year-and-a-half-after-its-bitter-breakup-with-netease-blizzard-has-reportedly-made-a-new-deal-to-bring-its-games-back-to-chinawith-netease/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Wakabayashi |first1=Daisuke |last2=Fu |first2=Claire |date=2024-04-10 |title=Blizzard and NetEase Settle Their Beef, Returning Warcraft to China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/business/warcraft-returns-china-blizzard-netease.html |access-date=2025-11-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref>
In November 2022, it acquired a stake in Liquid Swords,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Partis |first=Danielle |date=2022-11-03 |title=NetEase takes minority stake in Liquid Swords |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/netease-takes-minority-stake-in-liquid-swords |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> founded by ''Just Cause'' game director Christofer Sundberg in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Chris |title=Avalanche founder Christofer Sundberg forms new studio Liquid Swords |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/avalanche-founder-christofer-sundberg-forms-new-studio-liquid-swords |access-date=19 June 2025 |website=Game Developer}}</ref> In May 2022, Jack Emmert founded Jackalope Games in Austin, Texas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2022 |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 |language=en-US}}</ref> It was rebranded as Jackalyptic Games on May 18, 2023, and entered into a partnership with Games Workshop.<ref>{{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|access-date=22 October 2024|work=Gematsu}}</ref> In July 2022, NetEase teamed with former Halo Studios employee Jerry Hook to establish Jar Of Sparks<ref>{{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}}</ref> and also invested in Polish VR studio Something Random.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kessler |first=Ana |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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518134334/https://80.lv/articles/netease-invests-in-polish-vr-studio-something-random/ |archive-date=18 May 2023 |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=80.lv |language=en}}</ref> It acquired Quantic Dream in August,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kerr |first=Chris |date=August 31, 2022 |title=NetEase has acquired Detroit: Become Human developer Quantic Dream |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/netease-has-acquired-detroit-become-human-developer-quantic-dream |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008123318/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/netease-has-acquired-detroit-become-human-developer-quantic-dream |archive-date=2025-10-08 |access-date=2025-11-09 |work=Game Developer |language=en}}</ref> following a 2019 minority investment.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Something Wicked Games founder Jeff Gardiner also announced that NetEase had invested $13.2 million for the studio.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Former Capcom producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi, established GPTRACK50 in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=31 October 2022 |title=NetEase Games establishes GPTRACK50 - Osaka-based studio led by former Capcom producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/10/netease-games-establishes-gptrack50-osaka-based-studio-led-by-former-capcom-producer-hiroyuki-kobayashi |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=1 November 2022 |access-date=1 November 2022 |website=Gematsu}}</ref> In November 2022, NetEase made a strategic investment in Rebel Wolves, founded by former CD Projekt employee Konrad Tomaszkiewicz.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Riot Games sued NetEase over alleged copyright violation concerning Valorant in 2022.<ref>{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221114853/https://techtyche.com/riot-games-has-sued-chinese-game-company-netease-for-copyright-infringement-valorant-copy/ |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=9 December 2022 |publisher=Victor Marquez}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 December 2022 |title=Riot Games sues NetEase for alleged Valorant imitation |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/riot-games-sues-netease-for-alleged-valorant-imitation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212210309/https://easternmirrornagaland.com/riot-games-sues-netease-for-alleged-valorant-imitation/ |archive-date=12 December 2022 |access-date=11 December 2022 |publisher=Tekato Longkumer}}</ref>
NetEase acquired the studio SkyBox Labs in January 2023.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In February, NetEase opened the studio Spliced.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Former Marvelous vice president Toshinori Aoki and ''BlazBlue'' game creator Toshimichi Mori opened Studio Flare, with funding from NetEase.<ref>{{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}}</ref> It launched Anchor Point Studios in April, under ''Control'' game designer Paul Ehreth.<ref>{{cite web|date=26 April 2023|title=NetEase announces development outfit Anchor Point Studios|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/netease-announces-development-outfit-anchor-point-studios|access-date=19 June 2025|website=Gamesindustry.biz|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Former Ubisoft employee Sean Crooks opened Bad Brain Game Studios<ref>{{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}}</ref> and ''Dragon Quest'' producer Ryutaro Ichimura established PinCool in May 2023.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In August, NetEase established T-Minus Zero Entertainment, founded by Bethesda and BioWare veterans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Former Blizzard employee Greg Street established Fantastic Pixel Castle in November 2023.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Mac Walters also established Worlds Untold.<ref>{{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}}</ref> David Vonderhaar opened BulletFarm in February 2024.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In March, NetEase and Marvel Games announced ''Marvel Rivals'', a team-based PVP shooter featuring characters from Marvel Comics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2024 |title=NetEase Games |url=https://www.neteasegames.com/m/index.html |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=www.neteasegames.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Justin |date=March 27, 2024 |title=NetEase and Marvel team on PvP shooter Marvel Rivals |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/netease-and-marvel-team-on-pvp-shooter-marvel-rivals |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120013207/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/netease-and-marvel-team-on-pvp-shooter-marvel-rivals |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-11-10 |work=Game Developer |language=en}}</ref> The game was released in December 2024 on Windows platforms, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and Series S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cichacki |first=Shaun |date=2024-12-06 |title='Marvel Rivals' Could Be the Competition 'Overwatch' Needs (Hands-On Impressions) |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/marvel-rivals-could-be-the-competition-overwatch-needs-hands-on-impressions/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}</ref> It saw 10 million registered users within the first three days and reached 40 million players by February 2025, proving to be a major success for the publisher.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Middler |first=Jordan |date=2025-02-20 |title=Marvel Rivals has passed 40 million players, as NetEase reports net revenue of $2.9 billion |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/marvel-rivals-has-passed-40-million-players-as-netease-reports-net-revenue-of-2-9-billion/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=VGC |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2024, it was announced that NetEase was developing and publishing ''Destiny: Rising'', a free-to-play RPG shooter on mobile, in partnership with Bungie.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Zuhaad |date=2024-10-14 |title=Destiny: Rising Mobile Game Officially Announced |url=https://thegamepost.com/destiny-rising-mobile-game-officially-announced/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=The Game Post |language=en-US}}</ref> It was released in August 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=2025-07-04 |title=Destiny's alternate-timeline mobile game is launching this August |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/destinys-alternate-timeline-mobile-game-is-launching-this-august |access-date=2025-11-10 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref>
Since 2024, NetEase has been looking to divest foreign investments due to changes in the video game industry. In order to create a smaller and tighter portfolio to better compete with the likes of Tencent and MiHoYo's ''Genshin Impact'', funding to over a dozen studios were cut. Many studios were shut down, a majority of them having been acquired only five years prior.<ref>{{cite web |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=February 21, 2025 |title=In an industry earthquake, NetEase plans to cut more all-star game studios |url=https://www.gamefile.news/p/netease-studio-cuts |access-date=13 March 2025 |website=Game File}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2025 |title=NetEase's Billionaire CEO Slashes Jobs and Games in Profit Push |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/netease-s-billionaire-ceo-slashes-jobs-and-games-in-profit-push |access-date=November 10, 2025 |website=Bloomberg News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2025-02-21 |title=NetEase Founder Reportedly Almost Canceled Marvel Rivals Because it Didn't Use Original IP |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/netease-founder-reportedly-almost-canceled-marvel-rivals-because-it-didnt-use-original-ip |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Ouka Studios was shut down in August 2024, following the release of ''Visions of Mana''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McEvoy |first=Sophie |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}}</ref> Worlds Untold paused its operation in November 2024.<ref name="Eurogamer-WorldsUntold3">{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |date=27 November 2024 |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 |access-date=27 November 2024 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Jar of Sparks was shut down in January 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2025-01-08 |title=NetEase pulls funding for another studio: Former Halo Infinite design head says Jar of Sparks is 'halting work' while it looks for a new publisher |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/netease-pulls-funding-for-another-studio-former-halo-infinite-design-head-says-jar-of-sparks-is-halting-work-while-it-looks-for-a-new-publisher/ |access-date=2025-11-06 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> NetEase shut down T-Minus Zero in August before selling it in September.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Vikki |date=2025-11-04 |title=Former NetEase studio T-Minus Zero Entertainment rescued by "small group of veteran directors and founders" |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/former-netease-studio-t-minus-zero-entertainment-rescued-by-small-group-of-veteran-directors-and-founders |access-date=2025-11-06 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> It shut down Fantastic Pixel Castle and Bad Brain Game Studios in November.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2025-11-03 |title=The MMO being led by former WoW designer Greg Street looks to be dead as his studio officially closes after NetEase ends funding: 'While we'd love to make our game, our first priority is to help our developers find employment' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/mmo/the-mmo-being-led-by-former-wow-designer-greg-street-looks-to-be-dead-as-his-studio-officially-closes-after-netease-ends-funding-while-wed-love-to-make-our-game-our-first-priority-is-to-help-our-developers-find-employment/ |access-date=2025-11-06 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McEvoy |first=Sophie |date=2025-11-06 |title=NetEase shuts down subsidiary Bad Brain Game Studios |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/netease-shuts-down-subsidiary-bad-brain-game-studios |access-date=2025-11-06 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> NetEase also ended its partnership with Jackalyptic Games, which had been working on an unannounced MMO based on the Warhammer table top wargame.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wagner |first=Justin |date=2025-11-08 |title=NetEase racks up its third studio casualty in one week, kneecapping dev working on a Warhammer MMO: 'Devastated doesn't even begin to cover it' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/mmo/netease-racks-up-its-third-studio-casualty-in-one-week-kneecapping-dev-working-on-a-warhammer-mmo-devastated-doesnt-even-begin-to-cover-it/ |access-date=2025-11-08 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> PinCool's debut game ''Pritto Prisoner'' was published by Initiate Games in December 2025.<ref>https://finance.yahoo.com/news/pincool-announces-pritto-prisoner-outrageous-185600426.html</ref> Although NetEase published the 2024 remaster of ''Shadows of the Damned'' and is the copyright holder for ''Romeo Is a Dead Man'', Grasshopper Manufacture entered negotiations with multiple publishers before settling on self-publishing its latest title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=2025-12-05 |title=Interview: Suda51 explains why Grasshopper’s going solo with Romeo is a Dead Man, and what’s next |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/interviews/interview-suda51-explains-why-grasshoppers-going-solo-with-romeo-is-a-dead-man-and-whats-next/ |access-date=2026-01-24 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> GPTRACK50 and Nagoshi Studio are set to self-publish their own games, ''Stupid Never Dies'' and ''Gang of Dragon'', respectively. However, a NetEase spokesman confirmed that Nagoshi Studio would no longer be receiving funding starting May 2026 and ''Gang of Dragon'' would still require an additional $44 million to be completed.<ref>https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nagoshi-studio-reportedly-facing-closure-after-netease-pulls-gang-of-dragon-funding/</ref> Liquid Swords is working on the game ''Samson: A Tyndalston Story''.<ref> https://gamingbolt.com/samson-a-tyndalston-storys-city-and-car-designes-detailed-in-new-developer-diary/amp</ref>
===Music streaming=== In April 2013, NetEase launched a music streaming service called NetEase Cloud Music. Four years later, it received enough funding to be valued at over $1 billion, receiving unicorn status.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2017 |title=NetEase Cloud Music becomes unicorn after series A financing |url=https://www.theasset.com/capital-markets/32735/netease-cloud-music-becomes-unicorn-after-series-a-financing |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=The Asset |language=en}}</ref> In December 2017, NetEase signed a licensing agreement with Kobalt Music Group, gaining access to over 600,000 songs in its catalog.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-12-04 |title=Kobalt inks licensing deal in China with NetEase Cloud Music |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/kobalt-inks-licensing-deal-in-china-with-netease-cloud-music/ |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}</ref>
While rival Tencent held licensing deals with the big three record labels, NetEase focused on independent artists. By 2018, over 70,000 independent artists had uploaded over 1.2 million songs to the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |date=2018-11-13 |title=NetEase Cloud Music completes $600m raise to take on Tencent |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/netease-cloud-music-raises-600m-to-take-on-tencent/ |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}</ref> In November 2018, NetEase signed a non-exclusive partnership with indie label Merlin Network.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |date=2018-03-15 |title=Indie labels sign landmark deal in China - and, unlike majors, they're not going exclusive with Tencent |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/indie-labels-sign-landmark-deal-in-china-and-unlike-majors-theyre-not-going-exclusive-with-tencent/ |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}</ref> in September 2019, Alibaba announced it had invested $700 million to gain a minority stake in NetEase Cloud Music. The service surpassed 800 million registered users by the end of 2019 a 200 million increase from the year before.<ref name=":11" />
In 2020, NetEase entered into licensing agreements with Warner Chappell Music and Universal Music Group, giving users access to the publishers' catalog.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |date=2020-05-12 |title=China's NetEase Cloud Music, with over 800m users, gains rights to use 1.3m Warner Chappell songs |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/chinas-netease-cloud-music-with-over-800m-users-gains-rights-to-use-1-3m-warner-chappell-music-songs/ |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}</ref> In May 2021, NetEase entered into a direct digital distribution relationship with Sony Music Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 17, 2021 |title=NetEase Cloud Music Enters into Direct Digital Distribution Agreement with Sony Music Entertainment |url=https://ir.netease.com/news-releases/news-release-details/netease-cloud-music-enters-direct-digital-distribution-agreement |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=NetEase}}</ref> NetEase spun off its music streaming business as a separate company in August, listing it on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sparrow |first=Joe |date=2021-08-03 |title=NetEase Cloud Music gets approval to be spun off from NetEase and listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange |url=https://musically.com/2021/08/03/netease-cloud-music-gets-approval-to-be-spun-off-from-netease-and-listed-on-hong-kong-stock-exchange/ |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=Music Ally |language=en-GB}}</ref>
===NetEase Comics=== In 2015, the company launched NetEase Comics to focus on the comic book business. In 2017, NetEase signed a collaboration deal with Marvel Comics to publish comics in China and create Chinese superheroes, including Swordmaster and Aero. By 2018, its online platform had published more than 2,000 comic book series and 40 million registered users. However, at the end of the year, NetEase sold its comics business to Bilibili while retaining the copyright to its Marvel series.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Soo |first1=Zen |last2=Huang |first2=Zheping |date=2018-12-13 |title=NetEase sells comics to Chinese rival Bilibili |url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/2177815/chinese-gaming-giant-netease-sells-comics-business-rival-bilibili |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
===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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
==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<ref name="GF-2018_AND">{{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 }}</ref> |- |''Identity V'' | |- |''LifeAfter'' | |- |rowspan="4"| 2019 |''Cyber Hunter'' |Discontinued on 23 July 2024 |- |''Sky: Children of the Light'' |Thatgamecompany |Published in China only |- |''Marvel Super War'' |rowspan="5"| NetEase Games |Discontinued on 18 June 2024 |- |''Super Mecha Champions'' |Discontinued on 20 January 2025 |- |rowspan="2"| 2020 |''Marvel Duel'' | |- |''Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night'' |ArtPlay |Android and iOS ports |- | rowspan="6" | 2021 |''Ace Racer'' |NetEase Games | |- |Racing Master |Dahua Studios, Codemasters | | |- |''Harry Potter: Magic Awakened'' |NetEase, Envoy Games |NetEase Games, Portkey Games, Envoy Games |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shen |first=Xinmei |date=2019-10-30 |title=There's a new Harry Potter game coming from NetEase |url=https://www.scmp.com/abacus/news-bites/article/3035526/theres-new-harry-potter-game-coming-netease |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> |- |''Naraka: Bladepoint'' |24 Entertainment |rowspan="2"| NetEase Games | |- |''Astracraft'' |rowspan="2"| NetEase Games |Discontinued on 21 December 2022 |- |''The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War'' |Warner Bros. Games |Discontinued on 31 December 2025 |- |rowspan="6"| 2022 |''Dead by Daylight Mobile'' |Behaviour Interactive, NetEase Games |Behaviour Interactive, NetEase Games |Discontinued on 20 March 2025 |- |''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 |Discontinued on 10 April 2023 |- |''Lost Light'' |NetEase Games | |- |rowspan="4"| 2024 |''Blood Strike'' |NetEase Games |NetEase Games |Available on iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Windows |- |''Once Human'' |Starry Studio |Starry Studio, NetEase Games |Available on Android, iOS, and Windows |- |''Marvel Rivals'' |NetEase Games | rowspan="7" | NetEase Games |Available on Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S |- |''Where Winds Meet'' |Everstone Studio |Available on Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, and Windows |- | rowspan="5" | 2025 |''Rusty Rabbit'' |Nitroplus |Available on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch |- |''FragPunk'' |Bad Guitar Studio |Available on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S |- |''Destiny: Rising'' |rowspan="2"| NetEase Games |Available on Android and iOS |- |''Marvel Mystic Mayhem'' |Available on Android and iOS<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cannon |first=Trent |date=2025-05-27 |title=Marvel Rivals developer sends a host of heroes into the Dream Dimension with a June 2025 release date for new game Marvel Mystic Mayhem |url=https://www.thepopverse.com/gaming-marvel-mystic-mayhem-rivals-netease-new-game-mobile-june-2025/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=Popverse |language=en}}</ref> |- |''Sword of Justice'' |ZhuRong Studio | |- |rowspan="6"| TBA |''Blood Message'' |24 Entertainment |NetEase Games | |- |''Tom and Jerry: Chase'' | rowspan="4" | NetEase Games |Warner Bros. Games | |- |''Project: BloodStrike'' |rowspan="3"| NetEase Games | |- |''Project: E.O.E'' | |- |''Project: EXTREME'' | |- |''Ananta'' |Naked Rain |NetEase Games | |}
===Licensed online games=== * Three-year agreement to license ''Overwatch'' in PRC<ref name="NetEase - Fact Sheet">{{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}}</ref> * Agreement to license ''Minecraft'' and the pocket edition in China<ref>{{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}}</ref> ** Operated the Chinese third-party ''Minecraft'' Hypixel server, which was shut down on 30 June 2020<ref>{{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}}</ref> * Assumed the publishing of ''Eve Online'' in the Chinese market in October 2018<ref>{{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}}</ref>
===Game technology=== NetEase develops two in-house game engines for some video games: Messiah Engine and NeoX.<ref name="China Daily 022-11-01">{{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}}</ref>
== Game development studios under NetEase Games == {| class="wikitable" |+ !Studio !Location |- |NetEase Games |Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, China |- |NetEase Games Korea |Seongnam, South Korea |- |NetEase Games North America |Pasadena, California, United States |- |NetEase Games Tokyo | rowspan="4" |Tokyo, Japan |- |Grasshopper Manufacture |- |Nagoshi Studio |- |PinCool |- |GPTRACK50 |Osaka, Japan |- |Quantic Dream |Paris, France and Montreal, Canada |- |SkyBox Labs |Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada |- |Spliced |Manchester, United Kingdom |- |Starry Studio |Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, China |- |Joker Studio |Guangzhou, China |- |Zhurong Studio | rowspan="2" | Hangzhou, China |- |Everstone Studio |- |}
=== Development teams under Thunder Fire Studio === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Studio !Location !Status |- |24 Entertainment |rowspan="2"| Hangzhou, China (Binjiang<ref>https://www.gematsu.com/companies/netease-games/thunder-fire-studio/24-entertainment</ref> and Lin'an<ref>https://www.gematsu.com/companies/netease-games/thunder-fire-studio/24-entertainment-linan</ref> Districts) | |- |Naked Rain<ref>https://www.gematsu.com/companies/netease-games/thunder-fire-studio/naked-rain</ref> | |- |Bad Guitar Studio<ref>https://www.gematsu.com/companies/netease-games/thunder-fire-studio/bad-guitar-studio</ref> |rowspan="2"| China | |- |Universe X Studio | |- |Highdive |Montreal, Quebec, Canada |Formerly NetEase Games Montreal<ref>https://highdivegames.com/en/news/unveiling-highdive</ref> |- |}
===Former studios=== {| class="wikitable" |+ !Studio !Location !Status |- |Ouka Studios |Tokyo, Japan |Closed |- |Fantastic Pixel Castle |Remote |Closed<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2025-11-03 |title=Ex-WoW designer's MMO studio closing after just 2 years |url=https://www.polygon.com/netease-mmo-fantastic-pixel-castle-ghostcrawler-greg-street/ |access-date=2025-11-08 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref> |- |Bad Brain Game Studios |Toronto, Ontario, Canada |Closed<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Andy Chalk |date=2025-11-06 |title=NetEase closes a fifth Western studio: Just two years after it was founded, Bad Brain Game Studios will shut down for good next week |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/netease-closes-a-fifth-western-studio-just-two-years-after-it-was-founded-bad-brain-game-studios-will-shut-down-for-good-next-week/ |access-date=2025-11-08 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> |- |Worlds Untold |Vancouver, Canada |Paused Operations |- |Jar of Sparks |Los Angeles, United States |Paused Operations |- |T-Minus Zero Entertainment |rowspan="2"| Austin, Texas, United States |Broke<ref>{{cite news |editor-last1=Evans-Thirlwell |editor-first1=Edwin |date=1 September 2025 |title=NetEase shut down studio of Fallout and Star Wars alumni who were making an online sci-fi action game |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/netease-shut-down-studio-of-fallout-and-star-wars-alumni-who-were-making-an-online-sci-fi-action-game |access-date=8 November 2025 |work=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref> |- |Jackalyptic Games |Paused Operations<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-08 |title=My hopes for the planned Warhammer MMO have just been dashed as its developer confirms NetEase has pulled the plug |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/warhammer-mmo-netease-partnership-ends |access-date=2025-11-08 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Anchor Point Studios |Seattle, Washington, United States and Barcelona, Spain |Independent<ref>https://www.gamesindustry.biz/anchor-point-studios-set-to-break-from-netease-and-go-independent</ref> |- |BulletFarm |Los Angeles, California, United States |Backed by Greater Than Group<ref>https://gamingbolt.com/former-netease-execs-new-company-is-funding-star-wars-fate-of-the-old-republic-bulletfarm</ref> |- |}
===Strategic investments=== {| class="wikitable" |+ !Studio !Location !Status |- |Something Wicked Games |Remote |Funded $13.2 million. |- |Studio Flare |Tokyo, Japan |Unknown |- |Rebel Wolves |Warsaw, Poland |Acquired minority stake. |- |Liquid Swords |Stockholm, Sweden |Acquired minority stake. |- |Devolver Digital |Austin, Texas, United States |Acquired 8% during IPO. |- |}
==Pig farming== In 2009, NetEase founder Ding Lei announced his intention to modernize pig farming in China.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Melanie |date=November 6, 2009 |title=China web tycoon thrives on portals, pig farms |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/china-web-tycoon-thrives-on-portals-pig-farms-idUSTRE5A52O9/ |access-date=November 11, 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref> The company's agricultural affiliate Weiyang set up a pig farm in Anji county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province in 2011.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Xia |first=Zhang |date=October 19, 2017 |title=NetEase's Agricultural Affiliate Weiyang Sets Up Its Second Pig Farm in Gaoan |url=https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/netease-agricultural-affiliate-weiyang-sets-up-its-second-pig-farm-in-gaoan |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=www.yicaiglobal.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2012 |title=Netease Expanding into the Pork Business…Wait, What? |url=https://www.techinasia.com/netease-expanding-pork-businesswait |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=Tech In Asia |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Muncaster |first=Phil |title=Chinese gaming giant NetEase opens pig farm |url=https://www.theregister.com/2012/10/19/netease_pig_farm_china/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721061054/https://www.theregister.com/2012/10/19/netease_pig_farm_china/ |archive-date=2024-07-21 |access-date=2025-11-11 |work=The Register |language=en}}</ref> The state of the art facility included tracking sensors, data analysis, soothing music, artificial intelligence, and Wi-Fi.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Juan |first=Chen |date=November 19, 2019 |title=NetEase Founder Plans Fourth China Pig Farm Amid Higher Pork Prices |url=https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/netease-founder-plans-fourth-china-pig-farm-amid-higher-pork-prices |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=www.yicaiglobal.com |language=en}}</ref> The public could also track the pigs online.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brownstone |first=Sydney |date=2014-01-09 |title=Why Chinese Internet Companies Are Raising Pigs and Growing Organic Grapes |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3024515/why-chinese-internet-companies-are-raising-pigs-and-growing-organic-grapes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813055515/https://www.fastcompany.com/3024515/why-chinese-internet-companies-are-raising-pigs-and-growing-organic-grapes |archive-date=2022-08-13 |access-date=2025-11-11 |work=Fast Company |language=en-US}}</ref>
In November 2016, the company held an online auction that sold three of its Jeju Black pigs for a total of $75,000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2016 |title=One of China's biggest game companies has a pork farm. Seriously. |url=https://www.techinasia.com/chinas-biggest-game-companies-bundle-selling-pork |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=Tech In Asia |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2016 |title=Pigs raised by tech company auctioned online |url=https://en.people.cn/n3/2016/1128/c90000-9147975.html |access-date=2025-11-11 |website=People's Daily Online}}</ref> Since the meat has gone to market, NetEase has sold it on the company's Yanxuan e-commerce platform.<ref name=":8" /> Meituan Dianping, Sinovation Ventures, and JD.com invested in the endeavor in 2017.<ref name=":7" /> By 2018, the facility was overseeing the rearing and slaughter of 20,000 organic free-range hogs each year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 27, 2018 |title=Chinese tech companies get into farming |url=https://www.economist.com/business/2018/10/27/chinese-tech-companies-get-into-farming |access-date=2025-11-11 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref>
In October 2017, the company announced that it had established a second farm in Gao'an, Jiangxi.<ref name=":4" /> NetEase announced in September 2019 that it would invest 1.5 billion yuan ($211 million) to build a pig farm in Shaoxing.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Jacky |date=2019-09-24 |title=China's Tech Industry Brings Home the Bacon |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-tech-industry-brings-home-the-bacon-11569300263 |access-date=2025-11-11 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{official website}} {{Finance links | name = NetEase | symbol = NTES | sec_cik = NTES | yahoo = NTES | google = NTES }}
{{Chinese Web portals}} {{Major Internet companies}} {{Shanghai Dragons}} {{Hang Seng Index}} {{Hang Seng China 50 Index}} {{Hang Seng China Enterprises Index}}
Category:NetEase Category:2000 initial public offerings Category:Chinese brands Category:Chinese companies established in 1997 Category:Chinese news websites Category:Companies based in Guangzhou Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq Category:Internet technology companies of China Category:Meat companies of China Category:Software companies based in Beijing Category:Video game companies established in 1997 Category:Video game companies of China Category:Video game development companies Category:Video game publishers