Rumor: Blizzard to Headhunt The9 WoW Team

Sina Games, 5/15/09

An industry source has revealed that US game developer and operator Blizzard plans to headhunt staff from Chinese game developer and operator The9 (Nasdaq: NCTY), due to lack of confidence in Netease's (Nasdaq: NTES) ability to operate its 3D MMORPG World of Warcraft (WoW). The company will not only guarantee to pay non-compete fines for employees who leave The9, but will also offer a more attractive remuneration package.

Editor's Note: The9 recently lost the rights to operate WoW in mainland China and will stop operating the game in early June, when Netease will take over. Blizzard and Netease established a joint venture in China in August 2008 to operate a host of Blizzard's games. Previously Netease had stated that it would operate WoW under its existing game division.

Keywords: HR Blizzard Internet MMORPG NCTY Netease NTES The9 WoW online gaming

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