
Epic Games Store blocks China to protect employees in the country
Chinese gamers are still furious at Epic as competitors continue to sell games in China
Fortnite has made Epic Games one of the hottest gaming companies around. But that popularity doesn’t extend to China.
Epic Games recently said it refuses to sell games in China because it fears for the safety of its employees in the country, but the explanation failed to satisfy Chinese gamers.
But the head of Epic Games Store said the move is not out of maliciousness, but one made out of concern for the safety of Epic’s employees in Shanghai.
“The way our competitor operates offshore is not legal in China, and they don’t have an office in China,” Allison said. “We have employees there, so we are very sensitive to what is legal and what is not — more for the benefit and safety of our staff. We just don’t want to take any risks that can put them in any legal fire.“

This raises the question: If other gaming companies are already selling games to China despite their questionable status, what does Epic have to lose?
Tencent, China’s social and entertainment giant
While some Chinese gamers feel disrespected that Epic doesn’t want to rely on legally murky terms to serve their market, others remain optimistic that Epic Games is still interested in entering China in a manner with fewer legal complications.
“They might be thinking of a legitimate way to enter China,” said Zhe Li of Tianjin-based game developer Dotoyou Games. “After all, it’s a company under Tencent.”
He added, “If you try to muscle your way into China, you risk being blocked by the Chinese government.”
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