Activision Says NetEase Rejected Offer to Extend China Licensing Partnership

SINGAPORE--Activision Blizzard Inc. said that NetEase Inc., its longtime partner in China, has refused its offer to extend a licensing partnership and that it is in talks with several videogame companies to find a new partner in the country. Blizzard Entertainment Inc., an Activision subsidiary, said Tuesday that it proposed to NetEase a six-month extension to the partnership that is set to expire next week. The licensing partnership has brought Blizzard's globally popular videogames such as "World of Warcraft," "Diablo III" and "Overwatch" to the Chinese market through NetEase.