NetEase, Inc.
NetEase, Inc. business and news from across the web.
Blizzard eliminates 'small number' of roles in ChinaBlizzard Entertainment has eliminated a small number of roles in China as part of an operational model evolution in the region. Studio president Johanna Faries stated these changes are intended to strengthen regional publishing and product management capabilities. This news follows broader layoffs announced by Xbox, impacting thousands of employees across Microsoft's gaming division.
Marvel Rivals Season 9: Way Too Early PredictionsThis article analyzes the significant balance changes coming to Marvel Rivals in Season 9, including the introduction of Regenerative Shields, a rework of Team-Up abilities, and slower ultimate charge rates. The author speculates on the impact of these changes, particularly noting Deadpool's shift to a tank role, before the season launches on July 10.
Marvel Rivals players suspect Captain America's summer sausage has already been downsizedPlayers of Marvel Rivals are discussing whether Captain America's summer swimsuit skin has had its prominent bulge "nerfed" or reduced. While some users on Reddit claim the model has been altered, others suggest it might be an animation or rigging issue rather than an intentional change by developer NetEase.
Marvel Rivals adds a legendarily horny Captain America skin fans say "feels like a gooner mod," but at least it's based on a 34-year-old comic designMarvel Rivals has introduced a new Captain America skin called 'Seaside Sentinel,' which is based on a 1992 comic design. The outfit has generated significant fan attention due to its revealing nature and exaggerated proportions, with many players comparing it to 'gooner mods.' This cosmetic is part of the game's summer season, which features several revealing outfits.- The internet is agog at Captain America's hogA new swimsuit skin for Captain America in the upcoming game Marvel Rivals has generated significant online discussion due to its prominent and animated depiction of male anatomy. This feature, noted for its jiggle physics, has drawn comparisons to similar elements in games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Conan Exiles, sparking debate about its appropriateness in a mainstream superhero title.
World Premiere: Cats in the Shell, a Mecha-Customizing Roguelike with Thrilling BattlesRaven Studio, formed by veterans from Tencent and NetEase, has revealed its debut title, Cats in the Shell, a mech-building roguelike auto battler published by Infini Fun. The game will feature strategic cat pilots, over 1,000 customizable equipment parts, and dynamic auto-battler sequences. It is set to launch on PC via Steam Early Access in Q4 2026, with a public playtest available now.
Star Wars Eclipse is “Continuing as Planned,” Says Quantic Dream, Despite Recent StrikesQuantic Dream has stated that Star Wars Eclipse is continuing development as planned, despite recent employee strikes and the closure of their previous game, Spellcasters Chronicles. Reports suggest the studio faced significant development challenges and potential layoffs, but a spokesperson assured that the project has the necessary resources and team commitment. The game was first announced in December 2021, with rumors circulating about its lengthy development time and lack of a playable build.
Yet another Marvel Rivals creator tournament gets overshadowed by drama, except this time there was $300,000 on the…The Marvel Rivals Creator World Cup Championship, featuring a $300,000 prize pool, concluded with Team AMER United taking first place. However, the event was marred by drama involving professional player Warn and Team Canada, stemming from in-game disputes and accusations of not trying. This incident echoes previous creator-led tournament controversies within Marvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals Has A Villain ProblemMarvel Rivals, a hero shooter by NetEase, faces criticism for its lack of playable villains, with only Hela and Ultron currently available. The article explores the challenges of integrating villains into the game's lore and discusses upcoming additions like Apocalypse, The Hood, Gorr the God Butcher, and Doctor Doom, suggesting a future shift towards a more balanced roster.- MMO Week in Review: ArcheAge’s revival, Guild Wars’ CCGThis week's MMO news roundup covers a variety of topics including Guild Wars receiving a CCG in China, ArcheAge's revival, and Richard Garriott's efforts to regain Ultima copyright. It also features updates on Tomo Endless Blue's Kickstarter success, Embers of the Uncrowned, and Diablo Immortal's new Warlock patch.
- Where Winds Meet is adding village growth, pets, and a thieving goose on June 25Where Winds Meet is releasing a major update on June 25th titled "Companions Make Home," introducing player housing and village management features. Players can restore their homesteads, recruit villagers, farm, and trade. The update also adds pets, starting with cats and a goose, which will develop bonds with players and unlock new interactions. Additional content includes a challenge tower, a PvPvE mode, and new minigames throughout July.
- Once Human kicks off its last console open beta, running from now until July 8NetEase's Once Human has launched its final console open beta test for PlayStation 5 and Xbox, running until July 8th. The beta features PvE and PvP scenarios with full cross-platform play between consoles, though not with PC or mobile. Participants can earn in-game rewards and carry over certain items to the full release.
Yakuza Creator's Gang of Dragon PS5 Game Really Does Seem DeadEvidence suggests that Gang of Dragon, the PlayStation 5 game from Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi's Nagoshi Studio, has been cancelled. Publisher NetEase reportedly ceased funding, leading to the disappearance of the developer's YouTube channel and key personnel, including Nagoshi and studio director Daisuke Sato, distancing themselves from the project on social media and in interviews.
It Certainly Looks Like Yakuza Successor Gang Of Dragon Is DeadNagoshi Studios' debut title, Gang of Dragon, appears to be dead following the withdrawal of funding from NetEase and the disappearance of the studio's online presence. Creator Toshihiro Nagoshi is now listed simply as 'game creator' in Famitsu, and co-founder Daisuke Sato lists his involvement with the studio as 'ex-'. This suggests Nagoshi Studios is defunct, making the release of Gang of Dragon unlikely.
Gang of Dragon appears to have been cancelled and the studio closedThe game Gang of Dragon, announced in 2025 by Toshihiro Nagoshi's Nagoshi Studios, appears to have been cancelled. Evidence includes the studio's YouTube channel and website being shut down, a co-head's updated bio, and the Google Business listing being marked as permanently closed. Bloomberg previously reported that funder NetEase refused a $44 million payout to complete the game.- Warlock ‘n’ load: First impressions of Diablo Immortal’s 5.0, Lut Gholein, and the new WarlockThis preview covers Diablo Immortal's 5.0 update, introducing the new Warlock class and the Lut Gholein combat zone. While the Warlock is considered the least favorite iteration compared to Diablo II and Diablo IV, the update offers a welcome addition of content for the mobile Action RPG. The Lut Gholein zone faithfully recreates the Diablo II location and provides good loot, making it a potential grind spot for players.
Blood Message’s Gameplay Reveal Pushes Cinematic Realism Over ComplexityThe gameplay reveal for Blood Message, developed by 24 Entertainment Lin'an and published by NetEase, has generated positive reactions for its focus on cinematic realism and grounded action-adventure gameplay. Set in the late Tang Dynasty, the game emphasizes player immersion and emotional stakes over mechanical complexity, featuring visceral combat, reactive stealth, and dynamic set-pieces.
Identity V Neo Series Pop Up Store Heading to Book Off USANetEase's game Identity V is launching a pop-up store promotion across several Book Off USA locations in California and New York. The stores will sell merchandise from the 7th Anniversary, Kyoto Neo, Osaka Neo, and Tokyo Neo lines, with the event running until August 9, 2026.
Aphelion and Life is Strange developer Don't Nod in trouble as it struggles to secure funding for its next projectFrench studio Don't Nod, known for Life is Strange and Aphelion, is facing financial difficulties and may run out of cash by November as co-owner Tencent is unwilling to fund its next project or increase its stake. The company is seeking other publishers for funding, but discussions have not yet yielded commitments. This situation could lead to layoffs and a scaled-back development scope for its upcoming game, Project P14.- Take a look at some of the animation work done on Jack Emmerts’ cancelled Warhammer 40K MMOFormer animator for the cancelled Warhammer 40,000 MMO developed by Jackalyptic Games has shared animation work from the project. The game, which was set during the Horus Heresy and had writing contributions from Graham McNeill, had its funding pulled by NetEase. The shared animations include a Space Marine firing a heavy bolter and various character movement cycles.