Beijing, April 8, 2024 – In a move signaling a new era for Blizzard Entertainment’s presence in China, the primary login method for its games will transition to NetEase Passports starting April 9, 2025. This announcement, made via the official WeChat account of World of Warcraft and reported by IT Home, marks a significant step in the rekindled partnership between Blizzard and NetEase, following a period of absence for Blizzard titles in the Chinese market.
The transition aims to enhance account security and streamline the login experience for players. Gamers will be required to use their linked NetEase accounts to access Battle.net and all games under its umbrella. A crucial detail for players to note is the strict requirement for a one-to-one correspondence between Battle.net accounts and NetEase accounts. Furthermore, the registered mobile phone number and real-name ID number must be identical across both platforms.
This login change comes after an initial announcement in January, where Blizzard’s China operations team first signaled the shift, emphasizing the commitment to improved account security and login efficiency.
To incentivize the transition, players who successfully complete the binding process will receive exclusive in-game rewards, including:
- World of Warcraft: [Dancing Ball]
- Hearthstone: [The Darkening Card Pack] x4
- Overwatch: [Charm] and [Spray]
The return of Blizzard games to China, facilitated by NetEase, has been eagerly anticipated by the Chinese gaming community. The previous suspension of services caused considerable disruption, leaving many players unable to access their favorite titles. This new login system represents a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and secure re-entry into the market.
Looking Ahead
The transition to NetEase Passports signifies more than just a change in login procedures. It underscores the deepening collaboration between Blizzard and NetEase, a partnership that is vital for the long-term success of Blizzard games in China. As the April 9, 2025 deadline approaches, players are encouraged to promptly link their accounts to avoid any disruption in their gaming experience. The future of Blizzard in China looks promising, with this strategic shift paving the way for renewed engagement and growth in one of the world’s largest gaming markets.
References
- IT之家. (2024, April 7). 暴雪游戏国服主要登录方式 4 月 9 日起将切换为网易通行证 [Blizzard Games Mainland China Main Login Method to Switch to NetEase Passport from April 9]. Retrieved from [Insert IT之家 article link here]
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