China version of Minecraft video game in works under Microsoft-NetEase deal
Software giant announces deal with Chinese online services company to develop and sell versions of the world-building video game tailored for the Chinese market
Minecraft, the popular, Microsoft-owned, world-building video game, is heading to China.
Microsoft has announced a deal with NetEase, a Chinese online services company, to develop and sell mobile and personal computer versions of Minecraft tailored for the Chinese market.
The company didn’t announce a release date for the games. Microsoft has a separate deal with China’s BesTV to distribute a version of Minecraft for the Xbox video game console.
Microsoft spent US$2.5 billion in 2014 to buy Mojang, Minecraft’s Swedish developer. The company has since tried to strike a balance between leaving the developers alone to manage their hit, which is among the best-selling video games of all time, and highlighting the ways Minecraft can tie in with other Microsoft technology.
The China deal is the latest step by Microsoft into a massive consumer market that has proven difficult for US technology companies to navigate amid tight state controls over the economy, censorship and widespread piracy.