China’s NetEase criticizes Blizzard offer as unequal, unfair

HONG KONG (AP) — China games company NetEase Inc. says it has rejected a proposal from World of Warcraft creator Activision Blizzard to temporarily extend its partnership while the U.S. company seeks a new partner, in an escalating public spat. Blizzard said in November that its 14-year partnership with NetEase was set to end, spelling the imminent withdrawal of games such as World of Warcraft and Overwatch from China on Jan. 23. In a statement, NetEase said Blizzard made an offer to extend the partnership for six months under existing terms while it seeks a new partner in China. NetEase called the proposal “rude, inappropriate, and not in line with business logic.”